Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Paragraph: 58
In light of the evidence we heard on children with SEND, the Department must reconsider...
Conclusion
In light of the evidence we heard on children with SEND, the Department must reconsider the potential for creating an independent, neutral role, allocated to every parent or carer with a child when a request is made for a needs assessment, which has the responsibility for co-ordinating all statutory SEND processes including the annual review, similar to the role of the Independent Reviewing Officer for looked-after children. This role would support families with the choice to EHE, and help ensure that any such choice was made in a truly informed way, and in the best interests of the child and their family.
Paragraph Reference:
58
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
20. The SEND system already provides mechanisms for ensuring that families have access to support. Local authorities are bound by statute (by section 19 of the Children and Families Act 2014) to consider the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people with SEND, and their parents/carers, when making decisions that affect them. They also have a duty to have in place a local information, advice and support service. These services, usually known as SENDIASS (SEND Information and Advice Support Service) offer children and young people with SEND and parents free, impartial advice and support. In this financial year, we are providing £8.6m additional resources to improve the quality of local services, to provide a national SEND helpline and online service, and to invest in parent carer forums. We therefore do not consider it necessary to create an additional role in this area.