Broken SEND

 In this fourth blog, I look at information and follow my journey over the past couple of weeks. One of the big inequalities in the fight between LA and Parent of SEND child is access to resources, including information. The LA has systems which file and store all correspondence and information over the duration of the child's education (almost 20 years in my case) and people who are paid to process that information.  And specialists, including legal counsel, to interpret the information.  Parents are largely on their own (with a shout out to SENDIASS and IPSEA who provide support services). Recently, in a meeting with our SEND team, I asked them what information was presented to the Panel regarding our latest attempt to get the right education for my son.  "We don't share operational forms or documents with parents" was the, somewhat snooty, response. In a previous meeting, I asked them whether they would present our case to panel early so that we could have a chang...

Creating a blog always includes a personal element to the story.  In my case this relates to a heart attack that I suffered last week. I woke up as usual, and used various stresses to get me started.  One of which, of course, was thinking about the next steps in my progressing the EHCP appeals and complaints. 5 minutes later I was having chest pains, which developed into tingling and numbness in my arms.  I called for an ambulance and they recommended I go into Emergency Department for some blood tests. 4 days later, and having been punctured at least 25 times, they detemined that I had, what I call, a minor heart attack and that my heart wasn't damaged and my arteries were good.  So, a warning.  Eat better, exercise more, take the medications that I have now been prescribed and all should be good.  Oh yes, and manage my stress. Sadly, the EHCP legal process doesn't have a 'low stress' version, but I will do my best. This post is all about explaining just h...

 Broken SEND #2. I introduced, in my first blog, the notion of the LA SEN team 'playing games'.  I don't mean that this is how they see their role.  People working at the lower levels in the SEN service, I have found, genuinely want to help make a difference for the children and young people that they are supporting.  And at the senior levels, which is a Public Sector career level, they take their responsibilities really seriously.  Indeed at this level, people move around the country taking on more seniority and learning from different LAs.  This is why the system is broken nationwide rather than just locally. The 'playing games' label is how it seems to parents and young people.  Like the LA doesn't care about us as people.  Like they seem not to be able to listen or take seriously when we talk about what our children and young people need, or the often savage consequences of a failing education. Recently, Emma Steele and Matt Powell (senior pee...

 I have decided to share the latest part of my journey with Hampshire County Council Special Education Needs and Disability service.  (HCC and SEND).  The reason for this is that there will be learning for other parents embarking on specialist provision for their children and young people, and I hope also that policy makers will be able to see the consequences of the current system and how it is played by local authorities. And I do mean played.  The game here is one of saving costs at the expense of children's education, wellbeing and preparation for an independent adult life.  Often this is achieved by a process of delay - a pound that doesn't have to be spent for a year is a pound saved off the current budget.  And every year the child or young person gets closer to the point where the LA doesn't have to spend anything more. My story relates to my son.  But it isn't about him and I will not include details of any of his specific needs or health circ...