SEND support should be adapted or replaced depending on how effective it has been in achieving outcomes. Where, despite relevant and purposeful action, the child has not made expected progress, the school or parents should consider requesting an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. A small percentage of children and young people with significant learning difficulties may require a higher level of assessment and provision that could lead to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The purpose of an EHCP is to make special educational provision to meet the special educational needs of the child or young person, to secure the best possible outcomes for them across education, health and social care and, as they get older, prepare them for adulthood
Progression to Statutory Assessment
After advice from other professionals, the school and parents/carers may consider that help is needed from outside the school’s resource. A request for an EHC assessment would be submitted to Durham Local Authority SEND Casework. The SENDCo will work with parents/carers and the child to complete the request. The Local Authority SEND panel will decide whether to proceed with Statutory Assessment. This decision must be made and communicated within 6 weeks of the request. If the Panel agrees to proceed with Statutory Assessment, professionals involved with the child, alongside parents/carers, will contribute to the assessment. The family will be allocated a SEND caseworker from the Local Authority that is responsible for coordinating the assessments for the child. At the end of the assessment process, the Local Authority will make the decision of whether an EHCP should be issued.
Education Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan)
Where, in the light of an EHC needs assessment, it is necessary for special educational provision to be made in accordance with an EHC plan, the local authority must prepare a plan. The EHCP will have sections as stipulated in the SEND Code of Practice (2015). Outcomes are measurable, achievable and tailored to the pupil with the long term aspirations for the child at the forefront of them. All EHCPs are reviewed annually with staff, other professionals, parents, carers and children involved. The SENDCo is usually the person responsible for convening and leading the annual review meeting.
