I would love to try and help others that are struggling with the system too and hopefully stop them from having some of the same battles that we have! I have had a few emails from readers asking me how to work through the system, let's see if I can help! I have started a this post but will continue to add to it as I get more information etc...
Please add comments below if you have any info that can help others too.
Types of school
- Mainstream School,
- ARC/ARP School (that means a specialist unit attached to a mainstream school),
- Special Needs School (these can be council run or independent )
School Choices: you can choose any mainstream school for your child!
Mainstream School: Either you or the school can both apply for funding for 1:1 support directly to the local council. This is the council where you pay your council tax too, they are responsible for your child's funding, regardless if your school is in their borders or not! A panel will meet to decide how much (if any) your school will receive! This can be applied for anytime, even BEFORE your diagnosis or statement!
ARC/ARP School: you seem to need to have a full statement for your child to enter this unit. YOU can request your child to be assessed and statemented from your council at any point. The school can also request a statement. Statement can take 6 months. Yes, 6months, apparently this is because they have to give all the departments dealing with your child time to collate all of the info! (wonder what happened to modern technology - haven't these people ever heard of e-mail!)
Special Needs School: this again needs a statement to gain entry. The statement is used to assess what school would be best for your child as different schools have different areas they focus on. This does not stop you from visiting schools in your area and making an informed decision and putting your recommendations forward. I will put a list of things to look for further down. If you do not agree with the council choice you can appeal! This however will delay the process.
Independent special needs schools: same as above and usually charity run. Your council must pay for your child to attend this school. Usually this is a more expensive option for the council. Very hard to get into. The council have to send paperwork to the school! Speak to the SEN (Special Educational Need) at your council. This school can perform their own assessment and will tell you honestly if your child would find their school accessible! Most are a week long however they can adapt and make an individual one for your child.
I personally believe in getting the choice right for your child, the first time. You know what is right, make you opinions heard! Remember that a school does not have to be in your district. If your councils special needs schools are full they will look at surrounding councils schools!
To get a Diagnosis you go to CAMHS (Child and Adult Mental Health Services). They will perform an ADOS (Autistic Diagnostic Observational Screening). Your GP can refer you for this. When you receive the diagnosis you can then apply for DLA(Disability Living Allowance) go to www.direct.gov.uk it's the one for children you need! You will be told to paint the blackest picture of your child! I say yes that is true, however read the questions carefully and answer truthfully!
Do NOT believe that your child must be at school to get this or over a certain age!
Do NOT believe that Girls do not get autism or it is very rare! 1 in 100 children now have some form of autism, 1 in 74 are boys! Thats right the rest are GIRLS!
The Autistic Spectrum is huge, it covers everything from mild dyslexia and ADD to severe core autism! Your child may have any number of markers on it, this does not make them 'Autistic'!
The list of the departments that I posted last time all have to put their opinions to the board that make up the Statement!
If you do not get anywhere fast when ringing all the different people, do not be afraid to ring your local Councillors and local MP! I did and it is amazing how quickly people started to respond (especially pre-election)! Your local Parent Partnership will also help to guide you through the process and will attend any meetings with you.
Questions to ask yourself when looking at schools:
How many children like yours do you see?
Do you trust the school?
Social: Would you child have a peer group at this school? The council put a lot of thought into this. Independent schools do look at it, however, do not see it as the be all and end all! Remembering that a lot of of Autistic children play and work independently/side by side not with their peers!
Look at their curriculum if appropriate?
What therapies are available? Speech & Language/Occupational/Physical etc?
Environmental: what does it look & feel like? Remember it will look different from mainstream schools! It is very hard the first time. Realisation really does smack you in the face. The classes are of course smaller, children have varying disabilities. The walls are bare! This is for good reason! To much stimulation like mainstream make it very difficult for your child to focus on the job at hand!
Make a grid and when you go to visit the schools, score them! At the end you will see that one will tick the most boxes! Please remember you will never find a school that has everything you want, what you are looking for is the school with the best fit! Just like a jigsaw!!
Now for help no one thinks about!
Does your child have trouble getting hair cut/brushed?
Dentists?
Simply cutting toe nails & finger nails?
I was told about a group called Toby Henderson Trust. They will help you find the right hairdresser/dentist etc! This one is based in the North East however if anyone knows any others please add them on here.
This is just the start of this guide along the twisty path that is Special Education - I will continue to add to it as I get more information etc...
Please add comments below if you have any info that can help others too.
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