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refused assessment for statement

Ming

I have received a telephone call today from my County Council to let me know that they have refused an assessment of my son for a statement.

 

Basically my son’s school have said that they think he is coping ok as he is “not the worst in the class”.  The County are suggesting to the school that they call in an outside agency to assess why he is not making progress (SATS at the end of year 2 gave in 2A’s and now nearing the end of year 4 he is still at grades 2A).  Once they have those reports we can go back to County to see if they can assess him.

 

We are going to see the SENco once they go back from the Easter break but does anyone have any ideas on what else we can do from here?

  • Hi

    I know it is harder to get a statement now than it used to be.

    My daughter was at a primary school said she was not a problem. Moved primary schools and they collected 'evidence' and applied for a statement straight away and she got one.

    Some SENCOs are good and some not so good!

    You can also apply for a statement as a parent. My friend did this for her autistic and got a statement

    Also have you spoken to your local parent partnership

    Good Luck

    Nicola

  • Hate to put a damper on things but we got a private assessment and the LA simply said it was not enough evidence (he was in private school at the time so I guess they thought he was not their problem). It took us 3 1/2 years to get a local authority assessment and another year to get the statement, so he did not get back into mainstream primary till year 6, after five years out of state school.

    My suspicion is that the most useful evidence you can get is from the school. But of course this is not very helpful if the school is being obstructive. Parent Partnership are definitely your best bet here, as they know the system and the individuals within it.

  • I now have the letter from the County Council and it seems that in June last year they recommended that the school get reports from The Specific Learning Difficulties Base but they did not.  They have again recommended that the school do this.

    Does anyone know who The Specific Learning Difficulties Baseis and what they do.  Can I contact them direct to ask them to assess Luke?

    Thanks

  • Thanks for your advice Special Music and Zoe.  The County already have reports from CAMHS, the Educational Phycologist and his OT.  The CAMHS actually said that he would need significant help if he is to remain in mainstream education but for some reason his school will just not accept that he has any problems.  When CAMHS visited the school to assess him it seems the school told them he was a productive member of the class who mixed well with other children.  After 6 years at the school with the same class of children he does not bonded with any of them.  I think because he is not violent or massively disruptive they see him as ok.  They cannot explain why he has not made any progress in the last 2 years but at the same time will not accept that he has any issues.  It is like hitting your head of a brick wall.  I just do not understand why the school keep putting up the barriers to stop him getting the help he needs.  Every other expert he has seen can see how much help he needs, what are they seeing that the school are not.

    Once I get the letter from County confirming the reasons for the refusal I can see exactly what reports they want and if necessary I will get them carried out privately as suggested by Special Music.

    The fight goes on!

  • I think you have two options:

    1.  Collect as much evidence as you can re why your son needs a statement - evidence not just pertaining to his academic progress but also to his wellbeing in school (friends, social interactions, anxiety levels, ability to cope) and ensure this is submitted to County with the report from the outside agency.

    2.  Go to an SEN tribunal.  You should get notification in writing from the LEA re why they have refused an assessment and this by law has to give details of your right to appeal to a tribunal.

    Re the comment that your son is 'not the worst in the class' - its not about comparing one child to another, its about the individual child's ability to access the curriculum (ie learn), so that comment is a red herring.

    I recommend you get in touch with your local Parent Partnership service (google it for your area) - they are funded to support families in exactly this type of situation and can advise on how you might best proceed.  Alternatively, ring the NAS Education Advice line for guidance 0845 070 4002

    Good luck

    Zoe

  • Hi Ming and sorry to hear. Unfortunately this will be in line with the current trend of schools and LAs trying to reduce the number of statemented kids on their books. The SENCO can help your child once the statement is in place but s/he will have little power to do anything if the county council refused, so I wouldn't wait for that. The quickest way in this situation to help your son is to have him assessed privately asap because the county council won't be able to ignore that report. Hope it all works out for you!