The annual review meeting
Annual Review meetings:
- are usually most effective when led by the educational institution
- should normally be held at the educational institution the child or young person attends
- must enable full involvement of the parent carers and the child or young person. And consider their views, wishes and feelings, especially when making decisions
- must focus on the child or young person's progress towards achieving the outcomes specified in the EHCP. And what changes might need to be made to the support provided to help them achieve the outcomes
- must consider if changes are needed to the outcomes
The Annual Review meeting needs to check all sections of the EHCP - See "contents of an EHCP" section. It is not just about the educational targets and provision. It can provide an opportunity for parent carers and young people to request changes and updates.
Responsibility for holding an annual review meeting
The overall review process is the Local Authority's (LA's) responsibility. However, in most cases, review meetings will be arranged by schools or the educational institution on behalf of the LA. This is because:
- they know the child or young person best
- have the closest contact with them and their family
- have the clearest information about progress and next steps
If the child or young person does not attend a school or educational institution, the Local Authority SEND Team is responsible for arranging and coordinating the review.
Invitations to attend a review should be sent at least 2 weeks before the Annual Review meeting. Reports should be shared 2 weeks before the meeting.
Who attends an annual review?
The person arranging the Annual Review meeting will:
- co-ordinate invitations
- manage attendance of the people involved in supporting or providing advice to support the child or young person
The parent carer, child or young person and all relevant professionals working with the child or young person, will be invited to attend the review meeting.
If a child or young person attends a school or other institution, a representative of that school or other institution, a Local Authority SEND Officer, a health service representative and a Local Authority social care representative must be invited.
Providing a contribution to an annual review
Parent carers and the child or young person must be invited to contribute their views, wishes and feelings towards the review. They should be offered support to do this.
Professionals from education, health and care must co-operate with Local Authorities during reviews. They are expected to provide information related to the child or young person's progress towards their outcomes and any recommendations they have.
If services or professionals can not attend the meeting they can provide a report for inclusion at the meeting.