If the teacher thinks a child needs something more than the other children in the class they will talk to the parent and to the school's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator ( SENCO ) who may suggest other things the teacher can do. They may consider that the child needs extra support. This is called School Action. The support given will be discussed with the parent and described in an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This will be reviewed with the parent and the child at least twice a year.

Usually, with a modified programme of work and /or extra help from the class teacher, a Teaching Assistant or a Learning Mentor the child is able to make the appropriate progress. If he/she doesn't, the SENCO will ask for advice from specialists, such as educational psychologists or specialist teachers from outside the school. They will assess the child's difficulties and learning preferences. Their recommendations will help the school draw up a new IEP. This stage is called School Action Plus.

If the child does not make the expected progress despite these measures the school may request Hackney Learning Trust to consider a Statutory Assessment of the child's needs. This process allows the Trust to decide whether the child should have a Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Related Material:
Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Statutory Assessment