Parents advised to seek support with SEN

Over 50% of children with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) are still being educated in mainstream schools, despite government research recommending dedicated teaching to improve performance.
 
Moore Blatch Resolve education expert, Leena Hurloll comments: “It can be incredibly distressing for parents when their son or daughter’s education is in question.
 
“If they are unable to secure the specialist support they need the effects can be devastating, and have lasting implications for their child’s development.”
 
Leena recently represented a mother, Astrid Hansen from Bedfordshire, and assisted her to challenge a local authority decision, so her son could continue in specialist education. She urges other parents to seek advice to ensure their child receives the correct level of support.
 
Astrid’s son, who has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, believes greater transparency from local authorities and clearer guidance is needed, believing the current system leaves many parents unaware of their options.
 
After being given a statement of special educational needs, and due to a lack of appropriate local provision, her son attended a residential secondary school. But problems started when the teenager was due to transfer into post-16 education. The family sought legal advice from Moore Blatch Resolve, after delays from the local authority were threatening to prevent him from continuing in specialist education.
 
Leena explains: “Too many parents of children with SEN feel they have to battle a complex system to get what their child needs.
 
“And if the needs of a child are not met, then in some cases parents are even blamed for their child’s apparent ‘bad’ behavior, when it is actually a lack of appropriate provision.
 
“Local authorities have a legal requirement to act within a set deadline and you can also appeal a decision if you feel it is wrong. If parents are concerned or unhappy about a decision their local authority has made, then they should seek independent advice and see what their options are.
 
“In this case we were attempting to ensure that Astrid’s son continued to receive specialist support, but we have also successfully acted for many parents to secure SEN support in the first place.”
 
For further information visit www.educationlawsolutions.co.uk