[senco-forum] SEN funding changes

Are any other LAs doing this change when there is no provision on the

Hi Mike et al -- As a reminder I've recently suggested that any readers of this forum who have written evidence of an LA policy and practice, to routinely not specify in quantified terms the provision to meet a child's statemented needs and the objectives to meet those needs, send details to me off line. I will be interested in liasing with IPSEA to take SoS 497 action against any LA in clear breach of duty. I've done this on several occasions successfuly already, including with B'ham and Walsall. Other LAs have ended unlawful policy and practices, once a formal letter stating that a 497 complaint will be made, if clear evidence that the irregular practices will be immediately ended -- with clear advice to all responsible, within the LA, for writing statements and delivering provision are informed of the regularised policy and how it will be practiced in future. It costs no more than a little time and can be very effective. It does require clear written evidence -- plus examples of offending statements -- which will be anonomysed. No teacher or parent needs to be in the fiiring line -- IPSEA and any similar org. (or any individual as a matter of fact) can do this. Brendan

-----Original Message-----
From: mike at green43.demon.co.uk
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Sent: Sat, 2 Dec 2006 5.35PM
Subject: Re: [senco-forum] SEN funding changes

On 02/12/06 11:22, "WrayJanice Wray" <jwwray14 at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Are any other LAs doing this change when there is no provision on the
> statement - no hours, equipment etc - or is it just Herts LA ?

As far as I'm aware the relevant legislation hasn't changed, nor has there
been any case law that might support such a position. The duties of Local
Education Authorities to specify and quantify provision on statements
continue.

I hope it's solely Herts and not the thin end of any wedge-type things.

(Er, of course I'd rather that all LEAs properly carried out their duties to
children.)

Others on the list may be able to offer contact names/numbers for DfES
regional SEN team people that concerned individuals could contact - not
necessarily whistle-blowing, but (perhaps) asking if there has been any
change in guidance (or whatever) since they have noticed with concern these
blanks in recent statements.

Or one could make a similar phone call to such as IPSEA or ACE. I understand
that both charities speak with the DfES at higher levels.

The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) web-site <http://www.ace-ed.org.uk>
ACE general advice line: 0808 800 5793.

The Independent Panel for Special Education Advice (IPSEA) website is at
<www.ipsea.org.uk>
Their advice line can be contacted  on 0800 018 4016.
Their usual hours are Mon-Thu 10-4 & 7-9 and Fri 10-4.

Regards, Mike
-- 
Mike Boyd <mike at green43.demon.co.uk>