Single Point Request for Support from Specialist Services

There has been a lot of thought recently about a more effective and less bureaucratic way for schools to access Specialist SEN Services input. Discussion on this has taken place and we are going to trial a new system from this spring half term, whereby requests for support will be reviewed regularly by a Panel deciding the most appropriate intervention in each case.

Not a great deal!

Please find below the documentation for the new system, called the Single Point Request for Support, which is in three parts – the request form, the Pupil Information Record, plus guidance for completion. The new process should be used from now on in place of the former Referral to LA Support Services form; the Pupil Information Record will usually already be in place for pupils who are at the stage of requiring additional support. You will notice that the form does not require you to select which service you wish to refer to – once the request has been considered by the Panel you will be notified of the outcome, what type of intervention is recommended and, where appropriate, which professional will be involved. Completed requests should be returned to Thompson House for the attention of Kate Symes, Manager, Specialist SEN Services or to Karen Cole.

The system will be in place initially for a trial period from the spring half term until the summer half term of this year, after which point it will be evaluated and we will be asking for your views. Please also note that we would like to invite representation from schools at a later date, so if you think you would be interested in being part of this Panel please let us know as soon as possible.

If you have any queries regarding the new process please do not hesitate to contact us on (01983) 533523.