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Our LEA is now no longer issuing statements

56 replies

Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 20:52

Anyone else being told the same? What does this mean for children who already have one?

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inappropriatelyemployed · 27/06/2013 21:08

Er, on what basis? The law has not yet changed regarding statements. What are you being told precisely and can you say which LA?

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Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 21:12

I've not heard it from the horses mouth so don't know on what basis they are saying this, am trying to gather info for a friend who is going through the early stages of all this.
When is the law changing regarding statements and what will happen when it does?

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Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 21:13

I have pm'd you

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inappropriatelyemployed · 27/06/2013 21:14

There is no definite date for a change. The Bill is still going through Parliament. Some LAs are 'pathfinders' which means they are trialling (or supposed to be trialling) parts of the proposals.

Statements have not gone though some LAs have unlawful policies which tell parents that.

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Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 21:17

If the LEA is a path finder can they go down the no statement route or is this stance still illegal.

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zzzzz · 27/06/2013 21:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 21:20

No not Devon, guess people up and down the country are being fed the horse shit.

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bochead · 27/06/2013 21:21

Parents have to agree to be an official part of the pilot and have EVERY right to say they wish to stick with the existing system. The existing system is still the law of the land iyswim.

The number of families nationally involved in and actually testing the new plans is still in single figures, demonstrating that everything really is still in the embryonic stages.

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inappropriatelyemployed · 27/06/2013 21:27

As Bochead says. Education act is still law of land and I'd be very surprised at any LA offering EHCs routinely at present. None of them are ready for it.

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LuvMyBoyz · 27/06/2013 22:08

When I recommended the statement continue in it's current form at two recent Annual Reviews the LA decided at the panel meeting to cease them because the funding for support is now in schools for children who require less than 20 hours 1:1 TA time. We are not a Pathfinder authority. No more statements after April 2014. Government want only 1.6% of children with the new EHCPs.

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inappropriatelyemployed · 27/06/2013 22:12

There is no start date or new EHCs though. Pathfinder project only finishes in sept 2014.

Whatever your LA says, or whatever it says Gov wants, the Education Act is still law until it is repealed and LAs cannot have blanket policies not to 'do' statements.

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inappropriatelyemployed · 27/06/2013 22:15

Can I ask where you get the 1.6% figure from? Very interested in what you say, you might want to share it with the Council for Disabled Children who has a blog post here

They are a 'strategic partner' but seem to think its all about more choice rather than less - or a withdrawal of support

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LuvMyBoyz · 27/06/2013 22:19

Nevertheless, they are not issuing any they don't think will convert to EHCPs (so must have an educational AND health component) and are ceasing all statements under 20 hours. Schools have to deal in-house with children they would normally have recommended for up to 15 hours because we have the (very notional ) funding to supply it. It's a very large step back in time and it's all about saving money.

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LuvMyBoyz · 27/06/2013 22:22

1.6 % figure given by the LA bods. We are an LA school so I am trained and informed by the LA.

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inappropriatelyemployed · 27/06/2013 22:23

I absolutely agree but this is completely unlawful. Are you willing to PM me to discuss this further if you don't want to post openly?

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Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 22:25

So are you saying in your area children who currently have statements will lose them if current support is under 20 hours? Is this 20 hours 1:1?

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Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 22:26

God I'm getting really riled here. Our statement review isn't for a while think I need to get prepared!

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inappropriatelyemployed · 27/06/2013 22:28

I think you both should post on that CDC blog. You can do so without naming yourself. The organisation which is supposed to be advocating for parents and children should know about this. Or I can post using what you have said if you are happy for me to do so??

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LuvMyBoyz · 27/06/2013 22:37

One statement was reduced but I was told that the remainder of that statement would go at the next review. The authorities we border with have continued the statements. Parents are confused as they have been told nothing. However, support for their children will continue with only the changes we have agreed at the review. The changes are being rushed through with no proper foundation and despite the failure of Pathfinder authorities even with an 18 month extension to find a path.

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LuvMyBoyz · 27/06/2013 22:39

You can post what I have said, IE.

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Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 22:41

Wow have just read the CDC blog just WOW really. Marmite/jam WTF?!

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lottieandmia · 27/06/2013 22:43

They can't do this - it's illegal. The law hasn't changed yet but they are trying it on.

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LuvMyBoyz · 27/06/2013 22:44

The idea, Cats, is that the piece of paper goes but the support remains the same because the funding no longer comes with the piece of paper but is within the school budget. This may not be happening in your area? I think 20 hour and more will convert to EHCPs.

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Ifcatshadthumbs · 27/06/2013 22:45

But without the paper what legal obligation is there to provide the support?

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LuvMyBoyz · 27/06/2013 22:48

They are doing it, LandM. Nobody seems to be stopping them. Things seem to be different everywhere. The funding changes were announced and finished within 12 months and the whole system has changed in such a short time.

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