Settings are expected to follow the Graduated Approach to identify children with SEN, put in SEN Support (additional help above what's usually available) for those who need it and review their progress regularly. This should be done together with parent carers as well as the child or young person. The purpose of SEN Support is to help children achieve the outcomes and learning objectives that have been set for them.

A parent carer can apply for an EHC needs assessment independently from the school. It is worth remembering that the local authority will need to ask for evidence from the school or setting (where a child is attending one) in order to decide whether a needs assessment is needed. Therefore, we would always advise joint working wherever this is possible. Whether a parent carer or education provision applies, the 20 week deadline still stands.

These are two separate decisions. Firstly, a decision is made by the LA about whether to assess, based on the evidence submitted. If it is decided that an assessment is needed, all information gathered during the process will be reviewed at the end of the assessment. A further decision, based on this evidence will then be taken about whether a plan (EHCP) is needed.

The provision for each child or young person will vary and depends on the individual’s needs. The provision described in the EHCP should be specific and, wherever possible, quantified (stating how much/how often). It should be based on the advice of practitioners working with the child or young person, gathered during the EHC needs assessment. Often, a child or young person with a high level of need will require a high level of support. The EHCP itself however should be outcome focused, with flexibility in how the young person will be supported to achieve these outcomes

All Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCP) must be reviewed at least once a year. A meeting will be held with parents, the child (if appropriate), the local authority, the school and all the professionals involved, to discuss the child’s progress over the previous 12 months and consider whether amendments need to be made to the child’s EHCP. Contributions to this meeting may be made in person or writing. For children with an EHCP the review will also focus on the Outcome and Targets section of the ECHP and decide whether or not any amendments need to be made or if a reassessment of needs is required.