Changes to the EHCP Annual Review process for 2023/24
As part of the SEND and Inclusion Change programme, Warwickshire County Council is working with stakeholders to develop a robust process to ensure the Council meets its statutory timeframes for Annual Reviews of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and that decisions are implemented in an efficient way to ensure the right support and provision is delivered for our children and young people with SEND.
As a result of this work, we will be introducing some improvements to the process from the 2023/24 academic year.
As you are aware, the Annual Review process must be completed for all pupils with EHCPs every 12 months, or six months for pupils in early years. During key transition years Annual Reviews
To help schools plan more effectively for Annual Reviews, and to support the SENDAR team to meet the expected deadlines, we will be emailing all SENCos an Annual Review Due Date Report before the end of the summer term.
The Due Date Report will provide advanced notice of the Annual Review dates for the next academic year (2023/24) and will include the following:
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Date by which the Annual Review meeting must be held.
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Date by which we would like you to notify SENDAR of the arranged date for the Annual Review meeting (four weeks before the date of the meeting). This is a new process that will support SENDAR to anticipate their workflow and provide an early indication of occasions when an annual review has been missed.
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Date by which the Annual Review paperwork be sent to all meeting attendees (at least two weeks prior to the meeting).
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Date by which the Annual Review documents must be sent to SENDAR (this is always up to two weeks after the Annual Review meeting).
The due dates have been set to take into consideration school holidays, workload, as well as the need for earlier reviews during transition years, so may be earlier than anticipated. We hope that by providing SENCOs with these dates before the end of term, this will still allow plenty of time for them to schedule the reviews and to meet the expected deadlines.
Settings are welcome to hold Annual Review Meetings earlier than the dates given but please be aware that the dates for 2, 3 and 4 (as per the above list) MUST be adjusted to reflect the change. SENDAR will be aware of the change from your completion of step 2.
Due Date Report and contact the designated if there are any errors or discrepancies, or if they have any queries.
SENDIASS update
From 1 July 2023, Warwickshire SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice, and Support Service) will be provided by Barnado's.
SENDIASS is a vital service that empowers parents, carers, and young people by providing essential information, impartial advice, and expert guidance regarding the legal aspects of SEND support. The service plays a pivotal role in ensuring that parent carers and young people are empowered and fully understand their rights and responsibilities in relation to the Code of Practice, thus enabling them to make informed decisions and actively participate in their SEND journey.
With a shared commitment to providing exceptional support to families and promoting the well-being of children and young people, Barnardo’s is well-positioned to seamlessly continue the essential work of SENDIASS, building on the strong foundation laid by KIDS, the previous provider.
Details of the new service offer are on the website www.warwickshiresendiass.co.uk.
Please note the website is still in development, and will be updated soon with more information and materials.
The previous provider, KIDS, has contacted all the people they have been working with and has arranged to transfer support to Barnado’s where appropriate.
The new contact details for SENDIASS are:
Website: www.warwickshiresendiass.co.uk
Telephone: 01788 593159
Email: warwickshiresendiass@barnardos.org.uk
You can read the full news story here.