Parental Request For a statement of educational need

AlwaysHappy

I'll try and be brief but wonder if anyone has any suggestions on what needs to be included in my letter to the LEA. My son has aspergers, dyspraxia and severe learning difficulties - I can't imagine he will ever live an independent life and yet he is not statemented and nor do we receive any help for him. Extremely long story but he goes to a private school and as such has completely fallen off the radar regarding help and I am fast getting exhausted with it - I need help for him.
I have decided to put in a parental request for a statement as the school have said he isn't accessing the syllabus without support assistance (which we currently fund - but not as much as he needs), he is happy at the school and hasn't had any bad experience BUT I don't feel as if they are helping him overcome his difficulties or helping him to prepare for independent living and I want him on the radar.
What do I need to put in my letter?
Any suggestions really appreciated, feel like I'm having a breakdown with the pressure of it all.

flippin36

Hi Alwayshappy,

Have been there.

Just be very specific about the areas in which he needs help (don't assume they will know anything). Particularly when it comes to him needing direction from a member of staff. You are right regarding life skills - the most important thing to me regarding my son.

I was given some advice from a SENCO that gave me permission to be as negative as I liked with regard to what he couldn't do, in reports and letters. They aren't really interested in the positives, unfortunately. It can be rather draining I know.

Have you got an autism specialist in your area that can help you write a letter and give you further advice regarding aspergers?
Sorry I can't be more helpful as it was such a long time ago I had to write that letter, but if I think of anything I will post.

You have such a lovely username - I wonder whether you are stronger than you think .


Take care of yourself

Savvy_Sue

I am not sure, but if you are paying for him to attend private school do you get a statement? Would the LEA fund anything?

I have a nephew at private school and his parents were expected to pay for all assessments etc.

On a more positive note, I am sure IPSEA will know whether I'm right about that or not. And if you feel that only a special school will meet his needs then they might be able to advise about getting a statement which would get this for you in the state system.

AlwaysHappy

Thanks so much for your responses, I'm sure this is going to be an uphill battle, we tried (unsucessfully) for a statement two years ago - much harder because he is in a private school and like you say savvysue, we did have to pay for all the assessments etc, I almost had a breakdown at the time and my husband has been reluctant to try again, but, I am desperately worried that if I don't get access to some support for my son re what the future will hold for him (and us).
Thanks for your support too flippin, I will try to be as negative as possible (for the purpose of the exercise). I am caught between the rock and a hard place, we only went down the private school route as moved suddenly, couldn't get an Lea school quickly and thus downsized our house to pay fees. I am convinced he would have had a statement in an Lea school and ideally would have been in a unit being helped with day to day things. He is now 11 so to make the move to a secondary school from a school of less than 200 children with a class of 11 pupils, with his difficulties - well, I don't think I'd have a child to collect at the end of the first night. He is happy where he is and protected, but at the cost of not getting help for any of his specific difficulties -my health has been suffering and I want to try again whilst I still have the energy to fight.
I might not always be Always Happy, but I try......