statements

[veritysims]

what does it mean if a child is statemented at school. For what reasons would this happen and what does it involve?

[Jules001]

statemented children are those who are considered to have special educational needs, there are various different stages and they could be as simple as doing catch up reading or different spellings from the rest of the class. This link explains a bit more about the stages (sorry it is a long link)
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/atoz/i/individua leducationplan/index.cfm?code=main
If it is about your child, please don't feel afraid of asking questions of the teaching staff, they tend to use jargon and not realise that you are not aware of what they mean. I was a Learning Support Assistant helping children with Special Needs for several years so if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.

[boobesque]

my son has cerebral palsy and is statemented every year, all they do is watch him in class, see if he achieves his goals and make sure he is being taught in the right class for his needs.

[ursula62]

Usually you can't get official help for your child, like a classroom assistant or remedial teaching sessions, unless he or she has been statemented.

[kags]

The Statement will set out what the special needs of the child are - as Jules001 says, these will vary enormously from child to child, but will cover any child who needs extra supprt with their learning for any reason. My daughter has one because she has autism and cannot cope without support in a mainstream class. The Statement sets out where her difficulties lie, what specific needs she has, and how those can be met. It is reviewed every year after discussion with us, the school and the education authority. It has financial implications for the school, as they receive extra funding to support a child with a Statement.

The Statement may also recommend a specific school, which is important as the Education Authority will then have to pay for transport for the child if necessary. My daughter goes to a school with special provison for children with communication difficulties, but the school is across town, and I couldn't manage to get both my children to their respective schools without the provision of transport.

I think the term "statemented" sounds awful, it somehow has negative connotations, but it is in fact a very positive step for the child's education.

[veritysims]

thank you all for your information. My son has had behavioural problems in school since sarting last year (he's five now).I have regular discussions with his teacher who is lovely and she recommended that he be put on a 'behaviour plan' which involved extra incentives for good behaviour. This included stickers, extra time on the computer etc. i recieved a copy of this plan (IEP). It said on the top 'SEN' so I assumed this meant he had been 'statemented'. I took your advice Jules and asked the teacher if this was the case. She said that he wasnt. I was just getting the wrong end of the stick as usual (lol). Anyway at least I know what it means now. Thaanks again.

[hm2274]

yes, I agree. It's a positive admission that a child needs help. I work in a school where a number of children should be statemented but due to paperwork and funding they are still waiting. It means the child will definately get the help they need - which can only be a good thing - if/when this help is not needed anymore it will be withdrawn but that will be down to the school staff and parents. I would not worry at all. Be grateful for getting one!