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Special educational needs - assessment

Before a decision can be reached about whether a child does require special educational provision, a careful and detailed assessment is made. This is carried out by a team of professional staff from different services. Parents are considered to be vital members of the team.

The assessment takes into account the child's educational, medical, nursing, social and other needs and the information is carefully co-ordinated so that a judgement can be made as to whether or not a statement of special educational needs should be issued. A moderating group which includes headteachers, educational psychologist and representatives from health and social services has been set up to assist the CSA in determining whether or not a statement of special educational needs should be issued.

We monitor the progress of all children with statements of SEN and review their progress on an annual basis. Children with statements of SEN attend either mainstream school or a special school. These placements are managed by the SEN section.

Staff work closely with parents, and each family where a child is being assessed has a named officer to contact for advice and clarification as necessary. Staff also work closely with other services within the Pupil and Student Services Division to provide and manage support for children with SEN.