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Timetable for Statutory assessment

Donegal Diva

I'm working with my LA to get a statement for my son.  I've managed the paperwork process and have reduced the time to request a statement and the time to get all the paperwork back in time for an early panel.

My expecation was that the LEA had two weeks to respond and come back with a draft statment.  They have however come back and said that the total process takes 18 weeks so the timetable is now End of February '13 i.e. they are using all the time I've saved rather than meeting normal 2 week turn around.

Is this legal?  What is my approach to get them to meet the 2 weeks as per the document on the website versus default to 18 weeks from the start of the process.  It is unacceptable for them to do nothing because I've bought them time.

Help please. 

 

 

  • Been hit with a few problems wit bounces draft statement and just has I recieved it this weekend more delays are imminent!,,,, :(

  • Thanks so much for your ongoing feedback and support.  I agree that the trick is to keep phoning and will chase on Monday.  Like you I hoped to get this sorted by January and schools said this was feasible but as always the system takes time to catch up with the problems it creates.

    Good luck with your two and hope you get them into the right school soon. 

    D

     

     

  • Does sound like there maybe staff shortages in your area has well! I know where I live because they have 20+ requests per week for SA they dont answer calls on a wednesday so they can do draft Statements etc. I only put in Bounces and Bumblebees request in in June and was hoping for it to be done and sorted out by now and for them to be in new schools!!

    Assessments were done quickly and all my responses for both of them were done same day they sent letter! (i am one for not messing around! lol)

    Has the saying goes "expect the unexpected" , I know from personal experience that now SA is done much quicker to when I first originally had to do it for my eldest 3, took 2 years  for first 2 and 18 months for third one.

    It is very frustrating to have someone else in control of your child especially has you are the one fighting for everythink your child needs.

    It may not work but I kept phoning every week/2 weeks for progress reports etc and because I had already viewed schools and got paperwork to them quickly things got done a little quicker.

  • Let me outline where I am to make it clear

    Step 1 - request for statutory assessment -  Done

    Step 2 - request goes before panel and they have agreed to consider request.

    Step 3 - gather information for assesment - Done

    Step 4 - panel make a decision on whether to make a statement - done but the actual writing of the statment they are now saying they have until end February.

    And yes, correct that following the panel they have told you they will issue proposed statement, but they are telling you it will take more than 2 weeks?

    I tied NAS before Christmas and didn't get anyone to answer and will try again this week but yes they have now said they have up to End of February to issue the proposed statement.

    I'll let you all know what NAS says when I get through.

    Catriona

     

  • I'm a little bit confused about which point you're at. So, after the request for statutory assessment, the case goes to panel and you will have heard whether they are going to carry out the assessment or not within 6 weeks of the request. Then there's the 8 week period of assessment before it goes to panel to decide whether to issue proposed (draft) statement or a note in lieu. So, you're saying that you're now at this point (but have got there quicker than the 6 + 8 weeks)? So, following the panel they have told you they will issue proposed statement, but they are telling you it will take more than 2 weeks?

    I'm not sure whether this is legal. I presume they want extra time because of Christmas.

    They sent out our proposed statement a few days after the panel (although our 8 week period for assessment had been extended as we were waiting for paediatrician's appointment)

    I would say give SOS!SEN a call, but they are now on Christmas hols. IPSEA or the NAS Education helpline may be able to advise.

  • most of the lea are suffering cutbacks so staff are doing not just their jobs but others has well. I truly understand your frustration and having a few issues with Bounces draft myself (was written 5 weeks ago and still not signed off!!!).

    I pestered SENARS nearly every week has having many issues with Bounces and Bumblebees school and regression. This did however speed up the process!

    Have you looked around schools yet? If you get to look around any schools do it soon (when they go back, thats if you want son to move school) that way soon has paperwork comes you can send it off (just like i did on same dad has recieving Bumblebees draft!!).

    It is quite frustrating having others slowing things down for our kids so they cant get the help/support for them asap. But all we can do is wait and I would definetley keep phoning them (they are only off christmas day, boxing day and new years day).