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Debbie4

Hello I have a 5 year old son who was diagnoised with autism just under a year ago, we were a bit shocked as we thought he just had speak and language delay.  He started school in Sept and settled well and is making good progress with just a few blips along the way.

We have just completed 6 sessions at the SACC clinic and I have just received there report.  Why when you see these reports does it not make you feel very positive, it recommends the school go for a educational statement to support him further.  My understanding is that this can take 6 months does anyone know why this takes so long.

Parents

  • I believe 6 months is the statutory timetable that it MUST be completed within. It can however take even longer if a tribunal is involved as various stages of the timetable are based on when a prior decision is made, which obviously can be changed by a tribunal. It's taken us a year so far but we're getting the 2nd draft today and the finalised one in a week or two. It could of course be quicker but I wouldn't hold out any hopes on that.

    6 months seems like a long time but in the grand scheme of things, it isn't. Get lots of advice from the likes of IPSEA, ACE, SOS!SEN, parent partnership, NAS, etc. Get a good phone package because you'll be using it a lot. Do your homework, get a copy of SENCOP, and make sure the LEA/LA know that you know what they are supposed to do, when and how otherwise they'll pull a fast one.

    Do not be put off by all the people in the 'system' saying he doesn't need a statement, if you think he does, go for it. We were told we didn't need/would never get a statement and here we are with a statement. They are just protecting budgets, even if they are supposed to be working for the best interests of the child.

    Good luck.

Reply

  • I believe 6 months is the statutory timetable that it MUST be completed within. It can however take even longer if a tribunal is involved as various stages of the timetable are based on when a prior decision is made, which obviously can be changed by a tribunal. It's taken us a year so far but we're getting the 2nd draft today and the finalised one in a week or two. It could of course be quicker but I wouldn't hold out any hopes on that.

    6 months seems like a long time but in the grand scheme of things, it isn't. Get lots of advice from the likes of IPSEA, ACE, SOS!SEN, parent partnership, NAS, etc. Get a good phone package because you'll be using it a lot. Do your homework, get a copy of SENCOP, and make sure the LEA/LA know that you know what they are supposed to do, when and how otherwise they'll pull a fast one.

    Do not be put off by all the people in the 'system' saying he doesn't need a statement, if you think he does, go for it. We were told we didn't need/would never get a statement and here we are with a statement. They are just protecting budgets, even if they are supposed to be working for the best interests of the child.

    Good luck.

Children
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