Anyone have a child with a Statement of Special Needs?

I'll admit that I did not conduct proper research prior to moving here in June of this year.  I did not realize that my oldest would be attending school in Sept 2005-I thought I had another year!  I was too busy sorting out her medical issues.
Anyway, with  the syndrome she has, it is pretty much guaranteed that she will need a statement or a special school .  Problem is she does not have a statement yet.  Does anyone have a child that has gone through the statement process?  If someone in the school tells me one more time "It would have been better if you would have moved over sooner" I'm going to inflict some damage! 
Currently they are observing and assessing her to determine what her needs are.  Of course, I as a parent don't have a clue as to what makes my daughter tick.     
She is currently in mainstream reception at a large primary school.
Since this is a sensitive matter, feel free to PM me if you don't feel like discussing in public.

I just saw this and I hope you've gotten some help.  I don't have any information to give you, but just wanted to say best of luck and I truly hope you find the perfect environment for your child.

Thank you 
At the end of October we moved our daughter to a much smaller primary school (which also happens to be in the village that my husband is from).  The headteacher had experience with her syndrome so I didn't have to do my usual talk-which was very nice!
While she is doing better socially (she is starting to interact and talk to her peers), we are still waiting to obtain a statement.  She is receiving physio, occupational, and speech therapy now.  The educational psychologist will be seeing her next month, and someone from the county department for special needs has visited her twice.  So things are happening.
It is becoming apparent that she needs more help in the classroom than the teacher and assistant can provide.  They are wonderful , and the kids for the most part are very patient and helpful with her.   

glad to hear that, hauntsmamma.

i work with social services on a children with disabilities team. i can't count the number of families that are waiting for their statement. my worst cases are the kids that get kicked out because schools can't handle them in mainstreamed classrooms. sometimes i wonder how much disabilities training mainsteam teachers get. i've heard appalling things or expectations to manage extreme behaviors that teachers cannot handle.

I've been through the process, but it was a few years ago.  What I remember is that it takes at least six months and you really need to be organized.  You can submit any reports from Doctors and psychologists that you have yourself too.  
It's all about money.  They can't get the resourses to get another classroom assistant till they have the statement, and there are different levels that a child qualifies for.  As soon as they have the statement, they'll be able to discuss with you what the best options are.
I'm sorry I can't be more help but I wanted you to know that I'm sending my best wishes.  It can be pretty stressful.  

Theresa, it sounds like it's going pretty much the same way it would be going if you were stateside. Everything depends on the Statement (stateside it's the ed. system eval. findings)...it provides the funds to the school for the additional staff (1:1) and therapies needed.

You're very fortunate that her teacher is working with you. jklm725 is right, many "regular" teachers don't have the time or knowledge to work extra with special needs students so it can be a real nightmare for everyone involved until the special ed programs kick in.

Just stay on top of the situation and don't be afraid to make waves (in a nice way, of course) if things don't progress. Good luck and pm if you need to vent!