Child DLA to PIP transfer

Levi28

Good Morning,

After some advice from you lovely people!
I am currently in the midst of claiming PIP for my 16yr old, she has been on DLA for many years. 

I am her appointee after an assessment with DWP and recently had a telephone assessment on the 25/5, we are still awaiting a final decision on her claim.
I have to say I was complete taken aback by the assessors attitude! My daughter is diagnosed ASD, ADHD and has a rare genetic condition that effects her entire gastrointestinal system.
In the appointment we went through most descriptors and the reply or comment to most of the responses from me by the assessor was
”she attends a mainstream school so has no cognitive impairment”
I tried to explain that she has a band 4 EHCP (full time hours) and that she has a 1-2-1 with her at all times in school, without this there is no question of her attending a mainstream school! But all she focused on was her attending a mainstream school.
She has issues with concentration, remembering instructions and tasks, she has lessons explained to her in a way she understands and lots of other support.
I’m not new to the PIP process, I’ve helped and supported other people, I gave detailed examples of every day struggles she faces. I have just never come across such a dismissive and discriminative attitude! 
Im not feeling hopeful, the report from the assessor was also not worth the read as for every single descriptor she wrote the same comment about the school. 

I will await the final decision, I just wondered if any other members had experienced the mainstream school comment?
many thanks xx

calcotti

Ludicrous. Obviously totally unaware of the enormous efforts that have been made over the years (rightly or wrongly) to support pupils with difficulties to be taught in mainstream schools.

Levi28

calcotti said:

Ludicrous. Obviously totally unaware of the enormous efforts that have been made over the years (rightly or wrongly) to support pupils with difficulties to be taught in mainstream schools.

Yes I agree! I’m totally flummoxed by it and it has stopped me in my tracks.
I thought the idea of PIP was to assess them on the support they require?
it is bad enough she has the difficulties she has but for them to be dismissed because I chose to send her to mainstream school is confusing.

poppy123456

Levi28 said:

I just wondered if any other members had experienced the mainstream school comment?
many thanks xx

Yes, i've heard that happening many times, it's totally bonkers. Lots of parents have no option but to send their child to mainstream school, it doesn't mean they don't need the support.

Levi28

poppy123456 said:

Levi28 said:

I just wondered if any other members had experienced the mainstream school comment?
many thanks xx

Yes, i've heard that happening many times, it's totally bonkers. Lots of parents have no option but to send their child to mainstream school, it doesn't mean they don't need the support.

It’s so bizarre… I am still awaiting DWP decision but unfortunately I am aware of the weight assessors report seems to have on decision makers.
I’m preparing myself for a battle, it just seems so unfair. I don’t know what I can put in a MR that is not on the claim form? I gave detailed everyday examples. I’m at a loss really..

calcotti

You can either contact PIP now and make a comment on the assessment/assessor and ask for the DM to take it into account or you can wait until you get a decision and if unfavourable request a Mandatory reconsideration.

Levi28

Yes I’ve spoken to DWP, they have placed a note on the file (whatever that means)! Advising I’m not happy with the report etc.
Regardless of the outcome of her claim, I have made a complaint to IAS and my MP has lodged an enquiry with them. I just cannot understand how such a reckless, discriminative statement about schooling can have any bearing about what her difficulties are!