CAF meeting for primary school child

bigmomma051204

Frith wrote: »

I did phone the CAF coordinator a few days ago but the person going to the meeting wasn't available.

What did you think about my mentioning the solicitor and mentioning the short stay school?

Ok, did they say that a co-ordinator IS attending the meeting? If so, i would try them again before you go and if they are unavailable i would personally ask to speak with them once you get the the venue for the meeting. Have 5 mins with them first and explain that you have not been involved in the process at all and you understand that this is not how it is supposed to work....I would also take someone with you who is aware of the situation - a friend, parent etc.... as a parent with nobody there on "your" side, i can certainly imagine it being very "professional heavy" and speaking as one, i know how we can often use phrases and words which we understand but anyone not working in the field may not! And yes - mention everything you think is relevant!!!

bigmomma051204

HarriettPotter wrote: »

That's great news. Personally I would mention the solicitor and the other school. Let them know how serious you are. Also, the meeting minutes are evidence should things not pan out as you wish. X

Agreed BUT be aware that it may well be someone from the school taking the minutes....... The Co-ordinator may take them possibly but not usually.

bigmomma051204

Have replied to your PM and emailed u the blank form - you will see what i mean about the form, i cant see how some of it can be filled in without you!!! Ie, lots of pages 4,5 and 6 need parental input! NOTE on top of page 7..... " Work with the baby, child or young person and/or parent or carer, and take account of their ideas, solutions and goals." and "What are the key aims the child, young person and/or family would like to address?"

And tons of other bits too!!!!!! You will see, anyway




xxx

cobbingstones

Frith wrote: »

Should I mention at the meeting that I have now appointed a solicitor for my son? He has been excluded for so long I felt I had no choice.

He has seen (over the years) Occupational Therapy, Ed Psych, Child Pysch as part of CAMHS, CASBAT (autism team who said he has autistic traits but isn't actually autistic - they are now wavering and want to assess him again), the marvellous paediatrician who sadly can't make it and the school nurse.

And SENCo, the Behavioural Support Team from the county, the Learning Support Officer (very sensible lady) and the Exclusions Officer...

The head has made no secret that she wants him out, into another school with a nurture unit.

I have found an outstanding short stay school (really, every single category a level 1 in its Ofsted!) that apparently turns children round within 2 months. Should I mention it as an option?

Ask for your solicitor to receive a copy.

Janepig

Not pretending to be an expert, but it may be an idea OP for you to also make some of your own notes of what's being said. Even if you're just writing afew bits and pieces down, the fact that you've got notepad and pen and are taking notes helps to show that you mean business. Imo. Good luck.

Jx

stiltwalker

I would also advise writing out a list of points that you wish to make so that you don't get to the end of the meeting and suddenly realise that you meant to ask such and such and forgot it the moment.

As bigmoma says a CAF is really supposed to be all about the child and the family. I'm also fairly sure that by ringing you and asking you to collect your son then the head is actually acting illegally as there are proper formats for excluding a child and you cannot just be asked to take them home unless they are ill. Hopefully someone with more knowledge that me may be able to chip in here.

You will have a parent partnership contact for your area if you look them up here http://www.parentpartnership.org.uk/ - they are arm's length from the local authority and are there to mediate and support parents with any issues regarding schooling for their child with SEN. They can help right from the outset right up to tribunal. They will also be able to give you all sorts of information and support on SEN, meeting (like CAF) and what to do if the school is not being supportive.

Best wishes with all your endeavours and I really hope you are able to access some help and support.

thegirlintheattic

Just a little thought - whilst the "doesn't want DS to be seen in public" comment is completely wrong, refusing to take children on trips is not illegal and is relatively common if it is believed a child will not obey instructions and/or put themselves or others in danger.

I would take a bullet point list of all your questions/points you wish to make so you don't forget.

Also make sure there is a plan in place to deal effectively with behavior in school. Your DS should not be being sent home at lunchtime regularly which is an illegal exclusion.

bigmomma051204

Hey Frith - hope it went okay today... funnily enough, i went out for a visit to a new family and have started writing yet another CAF with them! Made me wonder how you had got on xx

Frith

Well, sorry to say - it was awful!

There was the head, the TA, me and OH, the CAF lady, a behavioral lady I had never met and the marvellous Ed Psych.

We were in there 2 hours. The CAF lady took the first hour to tell me the reason my son has problems is because I don't communicate properly with his father. What else do I do wrong... I shouldn't be looking for counselling for my son because "8 year olds don't need it" and "she personally would be picking her entire life apart looking for what she was doing wrong before running to a counsellor" and I should "take a few moments to think about that".

She basically held the floor. I didn't get to venture an opinion until the last 5 minutes so had to say everything in a rush.

The head still wants rid. The ed psych's eyebrows were nearly off the top of her head listening to the rest of them. She spoke for 15 minutes and it was actually sensible (and quite interesting).

OH tried say a few things but was shouted down by CAF lady.

In the last few minutes I said I was looking at other schools, had appointed a solicitor and had considered a short stay school. Of course, was told that is not open to pupils from my area and in fact the one that WAS local to here, has been shut!

Got out and very mild mannered OH nearly exploded about CAF woman!

They are labouring under the impression that son's father gives a damn and will actually do anything they suggest....

Sons went to their father's for tea. Got back and he had told them the meeting was "stupid" (he went in after me) and that my OH shouldn't have been there and it was none of his business. So we had a difficult evening with both sons scathing towards OH and me stressed half to death.

Frith

Oh yes, and son's exclusion is to last for 16 weeks. Apparently I had been told this (I hadn't). We pointed out this is illegal.