Selection Review?

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8jellitot
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 12:41 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by 8jellitot »

Thank you so much moon unit your kind words genuinely mean so much
Last edited by 8jellitot on Thu Oct 20, 2016 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Rob Clark
Posts: 1298
Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:59 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by Rob Clark »

I'm sorry if I came across as unsympathetic, that wasn't my intention. I am very sympathetic as both my DCs have Type I diabetes.

I am fully aware of the likely impact of hypers on cognitive function, in fact I researched the topic and found several academic papers on it when I was preparing my DD's own 11+ appeal. I also went armed with letters from the consultant and the DSN testifying to the likely impact of high blood sugars on concentration levels, and the need to drink and possibly go to the toilet.

My point was only that this was not deemed a sufficiently exceptional circumstance to explain the shortfall in marks. I found it somewhat surprising that the panel could, in effect, choose to overrule expert medical opinion but they did; I think it's probably easier for them to ignore unquantifiable medical conditions than factual academic evidence.
Etienne
Posts: 8978
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:26 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by Etienne »

Moon unit wrote:Isn't the issue ......
The main issue, as we've already said, is going to be academic evidence.
Etienne
8jellitot
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 12:41 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by 8jellitot »

Please Rob I know that was not your intention and neither was it taken that way I think it's unbelievable that your case was not treated as it should have been I really hope it all worked out for you in the end. I really believe moon unit was just trying to establish that my case is slightly different in that we were unaware of his condition at the time and therefore no measures could have or would have been put in place. Ultimately all children should be given the same chance and diabetes diagnosed or not does alter that chance on the day FACT...I know I have a struggle ahead of me but my headteacher is giving me full backing I can't not go ahead it's just not an option.
Guest55
Posts: 16254
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 2:21 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by Guest55 »

Are you totally sure that a review is the best way forward for your situation?

If the review is unsuccessful [and I hope it won't be], will you appeal? Are you aware of the 'FCO hurdle' you will have to overcome?

I just think reviews are so quick that any out of the ordinary case is not given the scrutiny is ought to have.
8jellitot
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 12:41 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by 8jellitot »

I completely understand what you are saying Gs55 but my head really thinks my way forward is review given the fact that in march we will not only have appeal to deal with but also the lack of places to allocate I'm a ridiculously emotional person (seriously I cry at adverts) and really think if the plain facts and paperwork can't do the talking I'm not sure I can, that said I may just have to cross that bridge when I come to it....
ebf3
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2010 10:31 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by ebf3 »

Hello, I'm not in your area, but have a few things to add that may, or may not, be useful.

As a parent of a diabetic child, the protocol for a diagnosed diabetic who has proof of high or low blood sugars during an external exam is for the school to notify the exam board with evidence - meter readings or continual glucose meter records - and ask for consideration. This is given as an increase of between 1-5% of the raw score on the exam. (I know of someone in our area who has successfully argued for this to be applied already to selection paper scores). However, an undiagnosed diabetic -who would have been in a worse state with even higher levels and ketones present - could certainly try to argue that a larger consideration would be in order. As Rob says, though, this is hard for people with no knowledge of diabetes to grasp, although the cognitive changes are genuinely huge. I know our Diabetes Specialist Nurse would help us out with carefully worded letters and possibly even attend in person - but the level of support depends on your hospital team.

As a teacher, many schools are very wary still of giving the 'above expectations' level at this early stage of the new curriculum. We had an unwritten blanket policy of not giving it out last year as the changes were too recent and the theory was that the children had missed things from earlier years while still on the old curriculum and may be attaining highly on some aspects, but have undiscovered gaps still to be filled. This may well be why you have the apparent drop between the Y4 results in 'old levels' to the new way of stating attainment. This will change with time, but does not help you when gathering evidence of attainment this year. With your headteacher's support, maybe you can get round it.

I really feel for you. Coping with the 'new normal' of diagnosis is tough enough without the added fight to try to deal with this. I hope you can get the support you need - and a panel who are prepared to take the time to understand.
fairycake2018
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2018 4:11 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by fairycake2018 »

This thread is just on point with something I am looking for information on at the moment. I teied to message Rob but I believe this is not active. If Rob happens to see this can he please message me? I am particularly looking for: "I am fully aware of the likely impact of hypers on cognitive function, in fact I researched the topic and found several academic papers on it when I was preparing my DD's own 11+ appeal. I also went armed with letters from the consultant and the DSN testifying to the likely impact of high blood sugars on concentration levels, and the need to drink and possibly go to the toilet."

Thanks very much.
Tinkers
Posts: 7240
Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 2:05 pm
Location: Reading

Re: Selection Review?

Post by Tinkers »

Fairycake, the PM facility should now be available to you now your first post has been approved.
Rob Clark
Posts: 1298
Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:59 pm

Re: Selection Review?

Post by Rob Clark »

Hi fairycake,

Sorry, I'm not here very much these days as DD turns 20 next week and has just finished her second year at university – her 11+ seems a long time ago!

But a friend and fellow Forumite drew my attention to your post, so how can I help?

If you're wondering about the academic papers to which I referred, there was in particular a 2005 meta analysis by the ADA (American Diabetes Association) which found that chronic hypers and severe hypos affected mental operation speed and flexibility, two qualities which are often seen as important in an 11+ type of exam. Of course, there may well have been further studies in the past decade of which I am not aware.

I should reiterate, however, that the point I was making when I first posted on this thread was that DD's appeal was rejected, in spite of this evidence. So as ever the advice from 11+ experts such as Etienne, Guest55, Sally-Anne et al to concentrate on the academics remains the best course of action.
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