SEN Tribunal advice please

devizes18193

tilly's_mum wrote: »

Hi

The school is in my LEA but for some reason - reckon its financial - my LEA don't send children to this school. 5 other LEAS do. The school has a fantastic OFSTED and is getting NAS accreditation - so I've got a fight on my hands!! I've been to see all the other special schools within a 25 mile radius and none would be able to cope with my daughter - she gets very distressed, hits out at others and hurts herself by thumping her head and pulling her hair out if she hears phones ringing (even on TV), people on phones, people writing and reading or looking at papers and books! We lived with this for 4 years, been the CAMHS for help and they don't know how to stop it - any ideas would be appreciated.

Has anybody been to a tribunal hearing? Bit worried about giving evidence etc.

you rellay need to be prepared for the tribunal . They should give you the reason for their choice of school . You need to research the school . How do they teach their kds mannerisms are they regimented in apporach or lax . Think like the enemy the lea is , how will they sell their choice to the tribunal only then will you be able to tear their argument apart . Is autisim the only condition you child has , with my son he has a cndition that gives austic behaviour and while he meets the critea for autisim he is not a typical autistic . Start keeping paperwork on the condition home school books if you have respite care reports from there ,anything that can be used to further your case .
Remenber information is king

outrageous_monkey

tilly's_mum wrote: »

Hi

The school is in my LEA but for some reason - reckon its financial - my LEA don't send children to this school. 5 other LEAS do. The school has a fantastic OFSTED and is getting NAS accreditation - so I've got a fight on my hands!! I've been to see all the other special schools within a 25 mile radius and none would be able to cope with my daughter - she gets very distressed, hits out at others and hurts herself by thumping her head and pulling her hair out if she hears phones ringing (even on TV), people on phones, people writing and reading or looking at papers and books! We lived with this for 4 years, been the CAMHS for help and they don't know how to stop it - any ideas would be appreciated.

Has anybody been to a tribunal hearing? Bit worried about giving evidence etc.

I have one coming up. But I'm lucky that my LEA are all ready begging us not to take it that far.....they have been shown as being uncooperative and a few other things, not taking OT/Physio into account.

Have you contacted the school that your child has been allocated a place at asking them for a detailed list and explaination of the resources available for supporting pupils with Autism within the school.

Write to the school you wish your child to go to asking them the same question.

Compare and make your points from these.

Point two would be uncooperation - there is a big drive on a the moment for LEA's to be cooperative with parents.

I wish I could be of more help......I'll know more on Wednesday myself.

Savvy_Sue

IPSEA can give advice on tribunals, link in post 2 will give you their contact details if you've not already been in touch.

tilly's_mum

Thanks for the advice - I've checked out the IPSEA website and I'll ring them next week as well as contacting both schools. Outrageous Monkey will you please let me know how it goes on Wednesday.

Thanks again

lesleystrawson

Have your local LEA given you a reason why they will not consider the school of your choice? In some cases, it can be as straightforward as there being no places available. And you state that the school is not suitable for your child - but it appears that your LEA deem that it is. Why are they recommending this school (other than a possible financial reason!) - they must be able to show that the school can meet your child's needs (using his/her statement), and if they can, you really don't have a leg to stand on.

To win at Tribunal, you must prove beyond doubt that their recommendation will not meet the needs as set out in the statement. And that your choice will.

winnanan

Hi Tilly's Mum.
Do you have a branch of the Carers Association in your area? They may be able to advise you or help signpost you to someone who can. Yes the T-word is Tribunal and I know I'm really lucky they didn't make me go through one!

raccyroo

hi tillys mum....first time posting ..we went to tribunal about my daughters statement i wanted a special school for autism lea wanted mainstream but 2 prevoius mainstream primarys failed her . the best advice i can give you is take a photo of your child (a large one ) and place it on the table so all the tribunal members can see it clearly . as you talk about your child glance at the photo . i noticed that all the tribunal members really looked at the photo before speaking and mulling things over basically they know quite a lot about your child already through all the info they have read prevoius to the hearing so it kind makes it more real

tilly's_mum

Racctroo - the photo is a great idea thanks - I will take one with me, I would like to take her but she would wreck the place. I wish the officiers who made the decision for the school would actually meet my daughter and she what her needs are - she can't cope with anybody writing and reading so being in a class with more able children would be impossible!

Thanks Winnanan - I am hoping it doesn't get to tribunal! We have a parent carer meeting at my local carers centre next week I go and see if they can offer any help.

Thanks

Carrera74

Hi

I just did a search on SEN tribunal’s and found this post. I have my son’s tribunal 2 weeks today. I am just wondering if those that have been through this would mind sharing their experience. I am dreading it.

princessamy86

I don't know if this would help but my friend's solicitors runs a free legal clinic on Saturday mornings, based in Lancs let me know if it would and I will PM you details