[senco-forum] Autism

Wow there's a lot of assumptions.

But brendan we don't know if this pupil is even statemented, where he is on
the spectrum or the degree of difficulty he/she experiences.

Richard

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk]On Behalf Of
kngbrndn at aol.com
Sent: 04 September 2007 22:55
To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk
Subject: Fwd: Re: [senco-forum] Autism - need a plan.

Subject: Re: [senco-forum] Autism - need a plan.

Greg -- you probably are aware that your LA has a legal duty to sufficiently
meet all of your childs special educational needs (not merely to
"accomodate" him -- whatever thaat means). And if there is no specialist
school maintained by the LA, or a neighbouring one? that can do this,
parents have the right to "make representations" to the LA for a fully
funded placement in a specialist independent school -- of which there are a
significant number nationally -- approved by the Secretary of State as
appropraite for children with statements. The LA must take full account of
such representations, and it is a reasonable discretionary power, that they
fund an assessment period in such as school if it likely to meet the child's
needs -- where the LA has no comparable and appropriate provision. And to
fund such a placement if one is offered by the independent school.

?

If he is tranferring to secondary phase -- the LA must amend the statement
to?name an appropriate type of?school by 15th Feb of the year of transfer.
This is the stage at which?parents can? request a specialist independent
school -- if?they have identified an appropriate one. The LA must
supply?parents with a list of approved schools at this stage -- but if the
LA?has not followed the law here -- the list? (2 seperate lists actually of
slightly differently designated types of independent?schools) is available
on the Gov. Education website -- or ring the LA for copies.

?

It may be that the school?parents identify is residential -- and weekly or
longer bording may be required to meet his educational needs -- or to avoid
overlong and stressful daily journying. It would be important to establish
that the residential element was for educational needs? / access reasons --
and not to relieve the family of the social stress of caring for the child.
This fact?would ensure that the LA is totally responsible for funding all
fees including the residential element -- and travel costs -- and?so that
the LA?cannot try to off-load the responsibilty fully or partly onto Social
Services -- who do not have the same needs led responsibilty as LAs.

?

It may be?parents prefer local mainstream -- with a high level of visiting
specialist input -- and full-time 1:1 designated TA and mentoring support
(if?the child is a?"classic" severely affected autistic child -- as
described by Kanner 1943). Whatever?is the parental?preference -- it is
vital?they make strong representations for a strong, specific, statement
that quantifies all neccessary (professionally advised) provision. I suggest
you/they google IPSEA and ring the freephone advice line to become fully
cognisant with?parental legal rights -- and child's legal entiltements --
within the SEN legal framework.? Brendan King (personal advice)

-----Original Message-----

From: Greg gregory.lambert at btinternet.com>

To: senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk

Sent: Tue, Sep 4 2:34 PM

Subject: [senco-forum] Autism - need a plan.

Hi,    We have a year 8 autistic child. Our education authority says that
there are no,   'specialist' schools to suit his needs, and that if he was
to move it would be   to another secondary school.    Bottom line is, that
we have to, 'accommodate' this child. Parents are demanding   a 'plan'.
Does anyone have an autistic child in their high school?  And does anyone
have   any advice or plans of how we can, 'accommodate' this child?
Getting really stuck on how to deal with this and any help would be greatly
appreciated.         Take care,         Greg    SENCo

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