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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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 unallocated

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. JAM meetings
Template guides the conversation
Show template

17. 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

18. 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?