How much influence will he have?

Question

i am having to fight to get my son a place in a local school for children with learning difficulties. will my local MP be able to help or will he just be a "name" behind our fight?

Answer 1

hi,im not sure how old your child is but if he already at a school the school senco shouls help too,also we have a community nurse who visits and helps us with issues that our 10yr old son has,im sure if you contact your local mp theyde be more than happy to help.My son at the moment is at  mainstream primary school but will be going to a special secondary school in sept and the people woking with him(nurse senco,class teacher)have helped out loads to try and get him into school

Answer 2

Contact your LEA. You MP will not hae much affect on the situation

Answer 3

I dont think they wouldb e much help-have u asked why your child hasnt been given a place? If you find out why it may make your 'fight' easier? I know most schools and now trying to include children with SEN in mainstream to try to combat problems like bullying, social exclusion etc.

If you want more support try contacting health visitors, health professionals (eg Speech therapist, portage, speciliast) or even Social Care Services as they are often a big help and getting children into places (and no SCS dont just take children away!)

good luck!

Answer 4

I would contact your local paper and ask that they write a story on your dilemma if all else fails.  Authorities do not always reject an application on its merits, but some do so to prevent falling numbers in their preferred choice of school.  Some authorities do not flinch at input from MPs, AMs or other such professionals - this I know from personal experience - but I also learned that authorities do not enjoy bad press and was successful in my own plight when taking this course of action.  Best of luck!

Answer 5

what is an mp? call the director of speical education. he will be able to help.

Answer 6

It all helps

We used our MP at the end of the fight -

So the same time as hitting the LA with Barrister letters, and letter from the DfES the local MP was on it. Funny thing is since then he has taken it on board in the House.

Just after all that came at them the Legal Services trumped it all and granted funds to take the action to High Court - The LA caved in at that point and offered us everything we wanted.

So moral of the story - it can help (I was going to say can't hurt- but you never know) write the letter to him/her with care and re-read before sending -we parents are holding on to a lot of passion and rage.  Provide the evidence.  

But pick your timing.

BTW have you had social services in to assess matters?

Good luck

Answer 7

I wouldn't think he would be able to help in the ways of his job,  but his social status may help to get your child into the school

Answer 8

Your MP will like the "s**y" story of sen child. Look don't waste time with the MP. Your kid will only get the Spec Schl IF he has a Final Statement that states in Parts 2 and 3b that his educational needs  cannot be met in a mainstream school. Get the reports done from a SALT / OT / EP. If you have to go to SENDIST  then you will have a much better case.

Good luck.

Answer 9

From personal experience some MP's are more helpful than others. Do write to you MP and as many other people as you can both at local level and national level. Also write to the minister for education and make him aware of what you are trying to achieve. You will usually get a reply from these people but it may just be a standard acknowledgement. Some MP's will take up your cause and can be extremely useful. You should also write to your local council about how you feel. Do remember to keep copies and dates of everything you send and receive. If you feel really let down by your sons treatment you could always go to your local press and television. Good luck with your campaign.

Answer 10

I think it would be more a case of a 'name' to your fight and given that is the case I can only assume that your child hasn't met the criteria for attendance in special schools.

The criteria is strict but that is because all mainstream schools now offer supported places, and generally the education department will encourage that type of system as amalgamation with mainstream is the desired outcome for all people with disabilities, regardless of type. Also if your child is a junior they will then be reassessed to determine whether the eligibility remains for senior school, usually done when they are 12.  

Good luck.