Hi Simon thank you so much for your reply it has helped to know what might lie ahead.I will post again when I know more.Also many congratulations to your daughter on getting her degree result you must be so proud and relieved!

Hi Theresa

I will back all that Simon has said. And what I also found was in my favour was to dress up somewhat and have a folder in your hand when you arrive and take down notes. They will treat you better if you look in control.
And remember, you are doing all you can. They might want to blame but remember, they are not in your shoes and don't really know what you are going through.

If you can, early in the meeting, see if you can spot one of them who seems a bit more understanding and make them the one you look at if you find yourself becoming flustered.
My first meetings like this, I felt overwhelmed, but then when I dressed up and walked in with a black folder (which had notes and photocopies) they seemed to listen better and I didn't even have to pull things out of th folder.

The other thing I found helped was saying to them " what are you going to do to help?" Because as Simon has mentioned, the education department is also supposed to fulfil their end of the bargain when you have done all you can.

Good luck, hold your head high. Listen carefully to what they have to say but then say all you need to say and request.
Let us know hiow you go
Take care
Linda

Ps and Simon - that is good news indeed. I can see that the sense of sitting on th edge and waiting for outcomes is probably something that will never leave us as parents of kids who have struggled to attend school. Hope all goes well