[senco-forum] Writing to a head about rights to withdraw

Hi Mark. I was actually suggesting parent write to the LA for a statutory  
assessement -- and make a good case -- sending details of the dyslexia, other  
special needs (organisation/attention/self esteem etc.) and how far behind in  
literacy she is compared to CA and expectation. Parent could add in that one 
or  both MFL lessons per week should be withdrawn and a planned, supported, 
literacy  intervention programme needs to included in an adaptation to the 
curriculum --  and which she considers will require the additional provision arising 
from a  statement.

She could ask the responsible member of school staff (SENCo) to request an  
assessment as well -- but we always advise the parent to do this. And if the  
school don't -- the request is made anyway. LA have 6 weeks to gather evidence  
-- and an EP usually becomes involved at which point the case for withdrawal  
from MFL could be made. If LA refuse, and parent decides not to appeal,  it 
has at least, got the LA and external services involved. But  if she appeals 
and succeeds in getting a good statement (if it is justified) in  several months 
time (before entering yr 8) a lot of other aspects of ensuring  success will 
have been dealt with -- I was broadening matters beyond MFL -- as  expertise 
and additional support to assist dyslexic children is  usually required. 

The request for withdrawl from MFL could be also done as a  seperate (albeit 
linked) issue -- and the head will have the final say  where it is a 
non-statemented child. Brendan 