[Peterj]

I have secured a statement naming a new school, but the LEA says it will take several months to get the staff and so my son has to stay at home until then.
The code of practice for SEN says the LEA must implement the statement from the date on it. where is the law to justify this section of the code of practice, as the LEA says it is merely for guidance?

[Julie]

Hello Peter

Something sounds wrong to me, and you need to look into it further.  We don't have all the details and in some way it is difficult for us to comment because of that.  My Son has a Statement and is in Mainstream school.  He did not have to wait months for his requirements to be implemented, but most of it was in place anyway.  Have they given a reason why it will take several months to get the staff, at your choice of school?  Even if they have to find specially trained staff, this really should not take several months. 

In our area (Poole Dorset) we have a special group that we can go to for advise regarding educational issues (PoPPs) and they helped me to understand the Statement process and gave me advise.  They will also go to any meetings with the school and the LEA to help me if I need it.  Do you have anything like that in your area?  It is really worth looking into, because they know the in's and out's of all the Educational issues.

Hope this helps and bit, but don't give up.

[johnvb]

Hi Peter

It doesn't sound right, I agree. Have you thought of calling IPSEA, who have helplines advising on special education issues? More info at http://www.ipsea.org.uk/.

Good luck, and whatever you do if it feels wrong to you then fight for it! One thing we have learnt in our own battles is that the LEA will often go for the easiest option for them rather than the best option for your child unless you fight.

Another source of help we have found useful is our local MP - she was positively shocked about some of the things our education authority have got up to, and has wrote a few stinking letters on our behalf plus even discussed issues in parliament! I guess this really depends on your MP though.

Regards

John

[Speeds]

Gosh that does not sound right.  We did wait for a couple of weeks before Thomas started school properly but he still went in for days to get to know the school.  Do speak to the school and see. 

[welshie]

sorry not been on in  a while but just read your posr and i agree with everyone else this does not seem right. We had problems getting Daniel statemented but we never had to wait for a school placement be it mainstream or special needs. We did have to have snap involved int the transition form special needs to mainstream as there where a few areas we didnt agree on.
If you havent already look into who you can get involved and fight this. If the statement is in place there shopuld be no reason to be waitinf for a place ment
hope all turns out well Rachel

[paula]

Hi Rachel!

Just interested as to what snap is. Haven't heard of it before. Is it local to your area?

Paula

[welshie]

they might be to this area sorry they are a special needs advisory centre that help with educational needs of a statemented child.

[Speeds]

they might be to this area sorry they are a special needs advisory centre that help with educational needs of a statemented child.

Just shows how fragmented the system is betwen LEAs if different terminology is used  which we, parents, some with statemented children, need to ask for clarificaiton of terms