There does appear to be a number of inconsistencies.
The fact is that LEAs are responsible for handling DSA funding. They do not
need to ask for an assessment at all.
But, it is not correct to say that they only need an assessment for
equipment. They can ask for an assessment just for non medical help.
While many LEAs will agree to fund support without an assessment some will
not. The reasons for this are various and include auditors' requirements and
previous experience of agreeing to fund support for which no evidence or
inadequate evidence to justify the support was provided by the student.
I have encountered a few of cases where once the student has received the
support they do not make an application for DSA or they refuse to go for a needs
assessment. The university and or the LEA are then unable to reclaim the costs
of support. Hence, the LEA adopts strict rules and procedures.
I am sure that there are some cases of not understanding the rules or
inefficient processing but it might be that there are good reasons for LEA reluctance
to agree to support without evidence or an assessment.
Mick Trott
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