An LEA must review a Statement at least every 12 months and parents/carers should be fully involved in the review process. Parents must be invited to the meeting.

Purpose/Aims of an Annual Review

• To assess the child's progress in relation to the long term targets set in the statement and the Individual Statement Plan.
• To assess the child's progress towards meeting the targets set at the last review meeting.
• To review the provision made for the child.
• To reflect on the appropriateness of the statement in relation to progress made during the year.
• To decide whether the statement needs to be maintained or amended.
• To set further targets for the coming year.

The Local Education Authority will write to the Head Teacher at least a fortnight before the start of each term with a list of children who will need an annual review during that term.

The Annual Review is in four parts;

• Collection and collation of information
• Annual Review Meeting.
• Head Teacher's report of the Annual Review Meeting.
• LEA reviews the statement in the light of the Head Teacher's report of the review meeting, and decides whether to amend or cease to maintain the statement.

Preparation and Conduction of Annual Reviews:

The Head Teacher of the child's school:

• Seeks written advice from parents and professionals.
• Seeks the views of the pupil.
• Convenes the review meeting
• Prepares the review report

The Head Teacher must distribute the entire advice received prior to the meeting at least two weeks before the date set.

Individuals invited to the review are:

• Parents and carers
• A named officer specified by the authority.
• The child/young person.
• Individuals from services considered appropriate by the Head Teacher e.g. Health and Social Services. In addition, in the year of transfer-a representative from the receiving school.

The Review Meeting:

The meeting should consider:

• The pupil's views.
• The parents views.
• The pupil's progress over the past year in relation to each special educational need.
• The pupil's progress towards meeting the objectives in the statement.
• Successes the pupil has achieved in meeting the targets in the Individual Education Plan. (I.E.P.)
• National Curriculum levels of attainment. This includes the most recent end of key stage assessments.
• Comments made relating to any continuing difficulties, taking in to consideration any successful strategies.
• Changes in the pupils circumstances.
• Changes in the pupils special educational needs.
• Changes to requirements in relation to equipment and access.
• If differing opinions are expressed at the meeting, then these views should be documented so that the LEA is made aware.

Based on these elements, recommendations will be made and the following questions will be asked:

• Does the statement remain appropriate?
• Should the LEA continue to maintain the statement?
• Are any amendments required to the statement?
• Are any new targets to be set in order to meet the objectives set out in the statement?

Parental Preparation for an Annual Review Meeting

It is important that parents take along a supporter. This individual could take notes on the parents behalf. The supporter can also help to clarify points (those discussed and agreed) at the end of the meeting and can note what action is going to be taken following the meeting.

Parents should receive copies of all reports at least two weeks prior to the meeting. These need to be read carefully as they form the structure for discussion. If reports are given to parents on arrival a fifteen-minute 'reading period' should be allocated. Parents must make sure that they know every one in the meeting. If on occasions an individual is present whom parents do not expect, their presence should be questioned.

Parents may wish to arrange for their supporter to review the reports prior to the meeting and clarify points to be raised at the meeting. It is very useful to make a list or agenda related to the main issues. This can be used as a self-reminder.

After the Meeting

• The head teacher must prepare a report following the meeting. This is sent to the LEA no later than 10 days after the review or at the end of term, whichever is the earlier. The report summarises the outcome of the meeting and makes recommendations as to whether the statement needs to be maintained or amended. The report should then be sent to all those that attended the review.
• When the LEA has received the report., the LEA will decide whether to accept the recommendations, particularly whether to amend or cease the statement.
• Within 1 week of a decision being made the LEA must send a copy of its decision to the Head Teacher, the parents and other appropriate individuals.
• If parents disagree with the amended statement they have a right of appeal to the SEN Tribunal.

Please note the importance of the Year 9 Annual Review:

• This review follows a similar process to all other reviews but it must involve the 'drawing up' of a Transition Plan. 'The Transition Plan should draw together information from a range of individuals within and beyond the school in order to plan coherently for the young person's transition to adult life' (Code 9:51)
• The Connexions Service must be invited to the Year 9 reviews. The Connexions Personal Advisor must attend the meeting and the young person themselves must take an active role during the meeting and in drawing up their transition plan.

Taken from Special Educational Needs and Your Child Book Produced by ACT May2003