SENDCo Support

We provide a bespoke service to mainstream schools and SEND teachers within schools and settings to address the common issues in relation to the following areas:

Assessments

  • What are the legal criteria for EHC assessments?
  • Who can make an EHC assessment request?
  • What evidence is required for an EHC assessment request?

This could involve the drafting of assessment requests, support in liaison with external professionals, mediating between school and parents if there are disagreements.

Issuing of EHCPs

  • When is it ‘necessary’ to have an EHCP?
  • What does the range from ‘useful’ to ‘essential’ mean?
  • What role do costs and the Notional SEN Budget play?

Annual Review Meetings

  • Purpose of the school meeting
  • Necessity of amendments to EHCPs
  • Timescales that apply to the LA in making decisions
  • Parental appeal rights

Phase Transfer Issues

  • Pupils who have EHCPs
    planning is essential for those pupils moving to secondary schools. EHCPs may need – via Annual Review meetings – amendments to reflect the different school and curriculum changes. Consideration of different types of school may be necessary
  • Pupils without EHCPs
    many pupils will be well supported in primary placements but could struggle with a larger secondary setting. Anticipation of needs in secondary school may require consideration of an EHC Assessment request in Year 5
  • Information sharing
    pupil profiles can add significantly to information known about those due to transfer, and the accuracy of such profiles is essential for secondary schools.

Placement Issues

  • SENDCo training on the law and guidance about school placements
    this would help in explaining how suitability and teaching pressures are viewed by Local Authorities and SENDIST
  • Consultation responses to LA
  • EHCPs ‘finalised by type’
    support in liaising with the Local Authority when a different type of placement is agreed but no specific school named
  • Mediation role with parents
    when a disagreement arises in relation to the placement or provision made
  • Appeals
    explanation of parental right of appeal; duties on the current school; liaison with parents; timescales involved
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