Workshop on statutory advice Coin Street Conference Centre, South Bank Andy Heather Head of Kent Educational Psychology Service

Does size one size fit all? Assume positive intent Code of practice talks about psychological advice and information. It does not specify a written report.

Does size one size fit all? The local authority must not seek further advice if such advice has already been provided ( for any purpose) and the person providing the advice, the local authority and the child’s parent or the young person are all satisfied that it is sufficient for the assessment process. In making the decision, the local authority and the person providing the advice should ensure the advice remains current.

Issues and Concerns Unprecedent demand for statutory advice Recruitment and retention Ofsted/CQC report Parental confidence Large reliance on locum EPs Lack of prevention and inclusion

From past to present 2014 904 pieces of statutory advice completed 2019 (March) 1783 pieces of statutory advice completed A 97% increase compared to the 2014/2015. In April 2018 626 unallocated

From past to present 2014: 6452 statements of special education need 2019: Currently 13,672 EHCPs An increase of 112% in 5 years.

Needing something different A trip to Bradford 9th January 2018 Lots of discussion with SEND and the Educational Psychology Service. Rationale Logistics Cases Paperwork

A different allocation system Regular meeting with area SEND manager and Senior EP. Review all cases to identify what psychological information there already is. Is this sufficient. Is there additional information required. What is the question? If no further EP involvement than an information and advice letter to SEN sent

Rationale for Joint Assessment Meetings To create an efficient, inclusive process which truly involves parents and those who know child in co-production of a joint assessment document For all parties to agree needs For all parties to be included in devising shared outcomes For all parties to agree provision (i.e. strategies and interventions) needed to meet these outcomes

Rationale for Joint Assessment Meetings Produces a single document which then goes back to SEN who make a decision about whether to issue an EHCP. Decision not taken at this meeting No separate EP report as our advice is given through this document

JAM pilot Evaluation feedback was sought from parents and professionals Parents and professionals involved were extremely positive about the process

Two parallel but different processes now in place (pilots) Participation Meetings JAMs Children in O&A placements Organised by SEN EP observation prior to meeting Typed by SEN officer Children in mainstream pre-school settings. Organised by KEPS EP observation prior to meeting Typed by EP

JAMs Participation Meetings EHC participation meeting template used EP may assist in leading meeting – to be agreed with SEN office prior to meeting SEN officer holds EHC participation meeting paperwork Across whole county JAM template used EP leads meeting EP holds JAM paperwork which is uploaded to synergy by SOs West and North only

Joint Assessment Meetings Meeting needs: About 2.5 hours Quiet room Projector Laptop Template for JAM Someone to type Someone to chair Parents/settings/SEN officer/EP/therapists

Joint Assessment Meetings No pre-/post-meetings, unless agreed (everyone comes in as equals) Introductions Rational for the meeting Project template onto wall where everyone can see

JAM meetings Template guides the conversation Show template

Barriers Logistics – setting up the meetings in an appropriate space Who will type the document? Allowing sufficient time for the work to be done in the meeting Getting other professionals on board SEN staff changes Ensuring parents understand and are given a voice Understanding where this sits in the whole process

Opportunities Parents understand the process and feel they have truly been involved in planning for their child’s needs Everyone involved knows the outcomes that have been agreed and why and they are truly specific for the child Reduction in report writing for professionals. Should reduce time for SEN officers and the overall process?