Annual Reviews Frequently Asked Questions

Annual Reviews – Frequently Asked Questions

Question / Answer
1) Who should be invited to the annual review? / The pupil, the pupil’s parents/carers and the professionals involved
2) What happens if the parents/carers do not attend the annual review? / Ideally the annual review should not take place without the parents/carers present. If the parents/carers have informed the school prior to the meeting date that they cannot attend, the meeting can be re-arranged. If, however, the parents/carers are unable to attend after a rearranged date and time, the annual review will have to take place without them. A separate meeting could then be arranged with the parents/carers to follow up the outcomes.
3) What happens if the pupil does not attend the annual review? / The pupil’s contribution/opinions need to be obtained and shared at the meeting.This may be in the form of photographs shown on a PowerPoint, a video, a mind map etc. As it is the pupil’s annual review, it is expected that the pupil will attend for some or all of it. Where it would be too distressing for the child to attend, their contributions are shared on their behalf.
4) How should the outcomes from the annual review be recorded? / The Part 2 paperwork
5) Who should receive copies of the minutes? / The parents/carers, all those invited, the SEN Team and any other service the Headteacher thinks appropriate.
6) What if the parents/carers do not agree with recommendations of the annual review meeting? / The parents’/carer’s views should be recorded in Part 2 and their views clearly recorded.
7) What if the parents/carers do not agree with the outcome following the annual review? / If parents/carers are not happy with the outcome they can appeal against the decision. Another meeting with the parents may be helpful.
8) What if the parents need extra help with the annual review process? / They can contact the Parent Partnership Service for help and support or alternatively the school should provide support.
9) What are the Local Authority’s quality standards for Annual Reviews? / A monitoring sheet can be requested from the SEN Team which is used to triage reports as they are received.
10) What should we do if the Connexions Service does not attend a Year 11 annual review? / The school should negotiate the officer’s attendance prior to setting the date and time of the review. If the officer is unable to attend, a meeting can be held in school between the pupil and officer and a report prepared for the annual review. A further meeting for parents and pupil can be arranged following the annual review.
11) Will transport be discussed at the annual review? / Yes, where a child receives transport, there is a requirement to discuss and recommend whether or not transport is still required and if so, whether there are any changes to that transport.