Return to EX7

ITEM EX7- ANNEX 1

EXECUTIVE – 13 MAY 2003

SPECIAL SCHOOL PLACEMENTS: RESOURCE AND ASSESSMENT PANELS

Extract from the SEN Code of Practice (2001)

 

Considering whether a statutory assessment is necessary

7:34 In deciding whether to make a statutory assessment, the critical question is whether there is convincing evidence that, despite the school, with the help of external specialists, taking relevant and purposeful action to meet the child’s learning difficulties, those difficulties remain or have not been remedied sufficiently and may require the LEA to determine the child’s special educational provision. LEAs will need to examine a wide range of evidence. They should consider the school’s assessment of the child’s needs, including input of other professionals such as educational psychologists and specialist support teachers, and the action the school has taken to meet those needs. LEAs will always wish to see evidence of, and consider the factors associated with, the child’s levels of academic attainment and rate of progress. The additional evidence that authorities should seek and the questions that need to be asked may vary according to the child’s age and the nature of the learning difficulty.

Evidence for deciding whether to make a statutory assessment

7:35 In considering whether a statutory assessment is necessary, LEAs should pay particular attention to:-

    • evidence that the school has responded appropriately to the requirements of the National Curriculum, especially the section entitled ‘Inclusion: Providing effective learning opportunities for all children’

    • evidence provided by the child’s school, parents and other professionals where they have been involved with the child, as to the nature, extent and cause of the child’s learning difficulties

    • evidence of action already taken by the child’s school to meet and overcome those difficulties

    • evidence of the rate and style of the child’s progress

    • evidence that where some progress has been made, it has only been of much additional effort and instruction at a sustained level not usually commensurate with provision through Action Plus.

      Return to TOP