A Protocol to support parental engagement during the education
journey for children and young people with special educational
needs and/or disabilities
This Protocol has been developed at the request of parents, to
support their engagement in the education journey for children
with special educational needs and/or disabilities. It includes
some principles that underpin their child’s education.
West Sussex County Council, parent carers, schools and colleges
are all committed to using best endeavours to provide the best
attainment and outcomes for children and young people with
special educational needs and / or disabilities from age 0-25
(where appropriate).
Aims & Objectives
·
To provide all children and young people with an education that
is appropriate to their age, aptitude and ability
·
To provide guidance for families regarding their child’s
education
·
To regularly involve children and young people and parent carers
in an open and transparent planning process, working in
co-production to support outcomes
·
To help parent carers and children and young people to
understand where and when practical help and support can be
provided, including signposting to the SEND Information, Advice
and Support Service (SEND IAS)
·
To build confidence in joint plans, focusing on outcomes that
are personalised for individual children
Principles
·
Families are entitled to know what they can expect to happen at
each stage of their child’s education journey; how parent carers
and children and young people will be involved and what schools
will do
·
Everyone will work together to support pupil progress, and to
enhance individual learning pathways
·
Everyone is committed to open and honest communications; to
consulting each other and to provide feedback as needed
·
Parent carers are entitled to have ongoing involvement
throughout their child’s education; to be involved in termly
discussions, plans and decisions made, particularly during
transition
·
Everyone will ensure that the child or young person’s needs
remain paramount, taking into account relevant law and guidance
e.g. the Children and Families Act (part 3) and the SEND Code of
Practice 2015
Implementation
This Protocol has been developed by parent carers, supported by
West Sussex County Council. It cannot be implemented without the
support of schools, colleges and other learning settings. All
partners are asked to signal their commitment to this Protocol
by adding their logo, posting it to their website and informing
the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service by emailing
SEND.IAS@westsussex.gov.uk.
Review
A review of this protocol will be led by the SEND Information,
Advice and Support Service with parent carers, supported by
WSCC, as and when there are significant changes.
September 2015
