'sent for assessment' - what is this?

[DonnaBallona]

Some of you may remember I posted a couple of months ago about my daughter, Brooke, who was struggling at school. Here is the link in case you need reminding: https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/kids-teenagers/2142239-yeah-shes-still-really-struggling.html

I was called to see the teacher again today and they've told me that they still have concerns about my daughter, so they have decided to send her to be 'assessed'. they've told me not to worry too much about it, but it'll give her extra support in the classroom and getting her formally assessed will give them funding to support her 1-1 before she gets to year 1.

what do they mean by this exactly? what's going to happen? I know I need to fill forms in about her but I have NO idea what they are talking about! any ideas? x

PS, Kudos to the person that mentioned her hearing in my other post, funnily enough her teacher has mentioned it today too so need to get it tested. x

 

[shanny]

Go and ask - If you feel that the school has not answered your questions then ask them again

They are trying to help your child but you should still be part and understand the process

 

[DonnaBallona]

oh, I plan on going to speak to the head of department tomorrow Shanny, but sometimes it's easier to understand from others in the same boat! x

 

[RachA]

If they are wanting 1:1 funding for your daughter it sounds like they want her assessed for a statement of educational needs.

The way I understand it is as follows: the school have to provide the first 17 hours of 1:1 that a child needs. They have a budget for this. I wasn't aware that a child had to have a formal assessment for get this help but I may be wrong.
If it looks like a child is going to need more than 17 hours then a request can be made to the local authority for further funding. The school still have to fund the first 17 hours and the LA funds the rest. If the LA agree to assess for a Statement then you will need to jump through several hoops to get the Statement-it isn't a nice process and leaves you feeling like a lousy parent BUT it provides invaluable help. This process takes 26 weeks so it's unlikely that the help would be in place for Sept-we are in the middle if the process and we are only just going to make the Sept start.

However this may not be what they mean-I would clarify what they actually mean. If they are talking about a Statement then you need to be talking to the a Inclusion Officer at the school as you will need help with it all.

 

[JASMAK]

My daughter was assessed but not through school. She was assessed for autism. Sounds like things are sort of similar though. .. the school needs funding for your daughter as she is clearly needing more support. This can only help your daughter. My daughter has an aid in school. Our funding from autism goes to the school and partly to us for her other needs (tutoring, social group and psychologist for her anxiety). She has supports in place at the school and besides am aid she had an individualized education plan (IEP)and gets special equipment, speech therapy, and sensory breaks.

As for the assessment, it will likely include hearing to rule out that. Then speech assessments which includes not just what she can say but what she can understand.

If there is any concerns brought up I am sure they will refer to more. .. for example, speech lead to occupational therapist, developmental pediatrician and then a autism assessment by a child neuropsychologist.

So, having the assessment is just a way to get your child more help so she can succeed. Try not to be afraid by it all. My biggest regret was I'm the beginning I tried to get my daughter to do more with less but really, take as much as you can for your daughter. Ask for as much as you can. The more help the absolute better.