All schools in Essex have a written policy describing how they will identify and help children with special educational needs. To achieve this, Essex County Council provides schools with additional funds and support.
The school’s SEN policy has information about:
- the name of the teacher who is responsible for children with special educational needs (often called the special educational needs co-ordinator or SENCO)
- how the school decides which children need special help and how that help is given
- how the school will work closely with parents
A summary of the SEN policy is included in the school’s prospectus, and parents may request a full copy. Each year the
governors report to parents on how the policy has been carried out.
Schools usually have a governor who has a particular responsibility for special educational needs, and parents can contact the SEN governor to talk about issues.
Schools are expected to plan their teaching to meet the needs of all children. All pupils have progress targets, and teachers use ‘differentiation’ to meet their individual needs. This means teaching methods are matched to a pupil’s level and way of learning.
At Essex School Action, your child will receive more help than the school gives through differentiation.
- The class teacher will discuss this with both you and the SENCO to agree what action is needed for progress.
- The SENCO will collect information about your child from you and other people working with your child.
- This information will help you and the school plan necessary support.
- An individual plan (IP) will be written.
Pupils who make good progress may no longer need support from Essex School Action. This will be discussed at a review meeting.
The individual education plan or provision map should include details about:
- your child’s strengths and difficulties;
- what your child needs to learn next and by when;
- the support your child will get, including who will give this help, how often and for how long;
- what materials or equipment might be used;
- how you can help at home;
- how your child’s progress will be checked.
The plan should be reviewed at least twice a year. You will be about how you feel your child is doing and your child’s views should also always be considered. Wherever possible, your child should be involved in the review process and in setting targets.
If there is concern about the progress your child is making with support at Essex School Action, it may be that more help and advice needs to be provided at Essex School Action Plus. This will be discussed with you at a progress review.
At Essex School Action Plus, the SENCO will usually ask for advice from other support services. For example, they may ask for help from an educational psychologist, a specialist teacher, a speech and language therapist or other health professionals. Your permission will be asked before the school involves any outside specialists. Further to this, an amended individual plan will be written, taking into account any new advice. New targets will be set and your child’s progress will be continue to be monitored and reviewed.
At a later review it may be agreed that your child no longer needs this level of support, and that appropriate help can be given by Essex School Action.