Some needs require specialist support that is not normally available to schools in their internal structures, and that teachers might not be knowledgeable with. The Department for Education recognises this in the SEND Code of Practice, which states that:
In deciding whether to make special educational provision, the teacher and SENCO should consider all of the information gathered from within the school about the pupil’s progress, alongside national data and expectations of progress. This should include high quality and accurate formative assessment, using effective tools and early assessment materials. For higher levels of need, schools should have arrangements in place to draw on more specialised assessments from external agencies and professionals
Where a school requires the top level of support, to meet the most demanding needs, the SEND Code of Practice directs them to make a request for an Education Health and Care Plan. It states that:
SEN Special Educational Needs, a requirement a child has in school without which they will be disadvantaged when compared to their peers. support should be adapted or replaced depending on how effective it has been in achieving the agreed outcomes. Where, despite the school having taken relevant and purposeful action to identify, assess and meet the SEN Special Educational Needs, a requirement a child has in school without which they will be disadvantaged when compared to their peers. of the child or young person, the child or young person has not made expected progress, the school or parents should consider requesting an Education, Health and Care needs
Speak to the family and look through the school’s records and the panel pack A bundle of documents compiled by the headteacher to support their case for exclusion. It will be provided to the governors and the family ahead of the review meeting. to understand whether or not the school has taken any steps to engage the services of specialist support outside of school.
If you have completed a subject access request The legal process for obtaining information about yourself or a person you are representing that is held by a school or other body. and received records, see if any claims the school has made about taking steps to seek extra support for the young person are reflected in the evidence.
Once you have done this, answer the question: did the school seek additional support from external services?
- If the answer is no, consider downloading the Suggested Wording: Argument to the Governors; the School Failed to Seek Additional Support.
Whichever conclusion you come to, continue to the next question.