How long will it take for my child to be assessed?
This will vary, but it should be significantly quicker than the centralised process which schools previously followed, which can take up to six months. Schools will have the opportunity to present the needs of children and young people to the model and request support monthly.
Will the support my child receives now change?If your child is already receiving support, this is unlikely to change. The focus will be children and young people not yet receiving additional support, in order to make the process quicker and more effective for them.
Will my child’s school lose funding for SEND?
Schools will continue to be allocated the same level of funding for SEND. This initiative provides support for those children in mainstream schools whose needs cannot be met without additional help. The aim is to give schools the flexibility to put extra support in place without having to apply to the council for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Education Health and Care Plans will still be available for schools to apply for on behalf of pupils where that is the most appropriate way to meet their needs.
What sort of support will be available?
The support provided to children and young people will be matched to their needs. Your school will involve you in the process and ensure your views are used to inform decisions about the support to be provided.
Why are you doing this?
- To ensure children and young people can access the appropriate support and thrive in local mainstream schools.
- To ensure that when the needs of children and young people are identified, schools have an opportunity to have the right support in place at the right time
- In keeping with recent government advice and guidance, Hounslow is committed to ensuring the needs of all children and young people are met appropriately and in a timely manner.
- To ensure mainstream schools are supported to improve their SEND provision.
What happens if I don’t agree with the decision about the support provided for my child?
Your school will ensure that you are part of the discussions and decisions made about your child. Support cannot be sought from the partnership without parent/carer consent.
If you feel unhappy with the information you receive, the SENCO in your child’s school will be your first point of contact.