Policy Work and Consultancy Service
Many parents who have had to navigate the SEND system to get their children’s needs identified and met are often faced with significant barriers to accessing what their children require and importantly, are entitled to.
Across the country, local authorities develop their own local policies which set out their criteria for accessing certain services. In our experience, such policies are often set at thresholds which are significantly over and above those set out in law and statutory guidance. This then becomes the governing criteria which everyone, including schools and professionals, work towards. Unfortunately, misinformation about rights and entitlement can become part of the everyday language used by schools and professionals, which in turn is passed on to parents. This risks services and provision denied based on policy.
It is important to remember that policy is not law and can never override the law.
Local authorities must consult parents of children with SEND, including children and young people, when they are reviewing educational and training provision in preparing and reviewing the Local Offer. It is important that families are able participate effectively in decisions about support available to them, whether it is home to school transport, or being able to access an EHC needs assessment. Parent/Carer groups have been established in most areas and local authorities are actively encouraged to work with them. This means that some Parent/Carer groups will be consulted when the local authority is making changes to their policies.
In addition to consulting families, every local authority in the country must have a SEND Information Advice Support Service which is commonly referred to as SENDIASS. SENDIASS works with local partners, including parent and young people forums to inform and influence policy and practice in the local area. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure your voice is heard through consultation and that policies which do not align with the law are appropriately challenged by Parent/Carer groups and SENDIASS.
At SENETA we operate a policy consultancy service. Claire has significant experience of working in policy. Whether you are from a Parent/Carer group/forum, SENDIASS or a local authority wanting to improve local policy, we can provide a comprehensive review of the policy and provide a written report which will cover the following points:
- Analysis and comments on the policy
- Whether the policy aligns with the SEND framework
- Next steps