Please note:  This information has been provided by the Waltham Forest Parent Partnership Service

If your child has a statement of special educational needs there must be a review of his or her statement at least once a year. Sometimes there may be a reason to hold a review earlier – if there are changes in the child’s circumstances or planning for a transfer. The Local Authority (LA) can review the statement at any time and a parent can request a review at any time.

Everyone working with children recognises that they develop and change. A review is to see how your child is progressing and if your child is meeting the targets set for him/her in the Individual Education Plan.

The Head teacher will gather information for this meeting and will bring together people involved in your child’s education. This meeting will decide if the statement is still appropriate or whether a recommendation for changing the statement needs to be given to the LA.

Who will attend?

The Head teacher must invite the child’s parent/carer, class teacher or SENCO and the LA. If it is appropriate, your child should also be invited so that they can express their point of view. The Head may also ask other professionals if their input is needed i.e. speech & language therapist or educational psychologist.

As a parent you can write a report on how you feel your child has progressed. Other professionals may also write reports. The Head must send these out to those attending two weeks before the meeting.

What happens at a Review?

Your views are very important. It may help to bring someone with you. If you would like support at this meeting, you can contact the Parent Partnership Service. Your view may be different from the school and the review meeting is a chance for you to discuss this. Wherever possible your child should be involved too. The meeting will normally be at your child’s school.

What happens after the Review?

After the review the Head teacher will send a report to the LA which summarises all the decisions and opinions made. This report should be sent no later than 10 days after the meeting or the end of term, whichever is the earlier. Copies will then be sent to everyone who attended.

The LA will then look at the statement and decide if they are going to change it. If they decide to change it (this is called an amendment to the statement) they will write to you (within one week of making their decision) and give you the chance to say whether you agree or disagree. At this stage you can request a meeting with an officer at the LA to discuss any concerns. If you are worried about this, contact the Parent Partnership Service.

If you disagree with the changes they make to the statement you can appeal to the SEN Tribunal.

If the LA decides to cancel the statement, you can appeal against this. The statement must remain in place until the appeal is decided or withdrawn.

Changing from primary to secondary school

Everyone concerned with the child should give careful thought to school transfer. Planning in advance is essential. Make sure you visit schools as early as possible to help you choose. The move from primary to secondary school should be considered at the child’s Annual Review in late year 5 or early year 6.

This is important, as statements must be changed by 15th February in the year of transfer naming the new school. For more help at this stage contact  Parent Partnership Service. or the Special Needs section at the LA.

What is a Transition Plan?

The annual review in year 9 should involve other agencies that will play a major role during your child’s life after he or she has left school. Your views (and the views of your child where possible) are very important at this meeting. The Connexion Service must attend the meeting.

Together a transition plan will be drawn up. All Annual Reviews from this point until the child leaves school should include a transition plan to help plan for adulthood. The Connexions Service, the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and social services should be involved in drawing up the plan which should make clear who is responsible for the different parts of the plan.

Remember

  • Your views and the views of your child – where possible are very important.
  • Sometimes opinions will be different – don’t be afraid to give yours.
  • Make sure you know who everyone is at the meeting. If someone is present whom you did not expect ask why they are there.
  • If the statement is amended and you do not agree with the changes you could appeal to the SEN Tribunal.
  • If you are given any additional reports on arrival you may want to request a few minutes to read them before the meeting starts.

Contact us

SEN Team
1st Floor, Wood Street Health Centre
Linford Road
London E17 3LA

Tel: 020 8496 6503/6505
Email senteam@walthamforest.gov.uk