Hi, I am new here and just wanted advice on statements. My 4yr old son, Matthew (he is 5 next week) was diagnosed in June as being autisitc. We have pretty much sorted everything we can for him except for one thing, the statement. We are still waiting for the the School Action Plan, which I have been told that we will get in November as they need a couple of months to observe Matthew in class so they can write an appropriate plan for him. However, we were told when we spoke to the headmistress, who has been fantastic in helping us, that it was highly unlikely we will get a statement as he is a high achiever, specifically in Maths (he has been doing reception level work for the past 2yrs). I have asked that he at least be assessed to make sure whether he can get one or not. My main concern is that if he does not get one, the support he needs (and that he is very lucky to already be receiving) will get taken away suddenly without it. Also the fact that we are hoping to move in the next couple of years and while we hope that we will be able to keep Matthew at his school, we are worried that if he does move schools, the new school won't take his needs seriously without it. This is the only area in which we are worried and know we have problems with but I need to know just how much of chance I have of getting one, even if I fight hard for it.

Request a Statement if they refuse to issue one you can always appeal, they are a parents insurance policy as far as I am concerned and Legally binding. They cannot refuise you an assessment by law they have to give you on! Good Luck

Thank you. I thought that was the case. My son has prioritised to have a speech therapist at school with him, so it does worry me that won't continue without a statement!

hi, my daughter is 8 and in mainstream, we are currently pushing for a statement for her she is on the autistic spectrum. I have just found out that we need to get the autism communication team involved who go an asess her in school and then write a detailed report which helps you to get a statement, we live in the sheffirld/rotherham area so i don't know if your area will be the same?

I was informed today that he willl more than likely not even get an assessment for a statement. But decided I am not going to fight for it just yet. I just plan to work with them on his IEP and if he doesn't meet his goals then I may consider then pushing for one. He has settled in really well and there have so far been no problems, so I think right now it is best to see what happens.