The annual review process

Before the meeting

At least 2 weeks before the meeting invitations to attend the annual review must be sent to:

• Parent or young person
• Early years provider/head teacher/principal
• Local Authority SEND Officer
• Health care professionals
• Social care professionals
• Any other individuals relevant to the review

Although all of these people must be invited to attend, attendance is not compulsory. The Local Authority is unlikely to attend all reviews.   

Advice and information must be sought and circulated to all invited at least 2 weeks before the meeting (eg reports from professionals/schools).   

Parents and young people should be given the opportunity to share their views on progress (see below). 

If you receive less that 2 weeks notice of the meeting date, you should consider asking to postpone the meeting so that the procedure can be carried out properly.  

Likewise if you have not received the required reports within 2 weeks of the meeting date you should consider postponing the meeting. It is unfortunately quite common to be handed reports on the day at the meeting. If this happens (and you are happy to continue with the meeting) then you should certainly ask for some time to read them, so that the contents can be discussed properly if necessary. 

Giving your views

Wokingham schools tend to use the form Parents Contribution to Annual Review but don’t be constrained by the size of the boxes on the form or the questions they ask. You are able to give your view in a way that suits you. 

If you are struggling to complete this form we may be able to help you.

You should aim to include the following when you give your views:

• What is going well at school?
• Is there anything that is not going well?
• Are needs being met? Does anything need to change?
• Have there been any changes in health or social care?
• Are there any new difficulties emerging?

Young people should also be given the opportunity to share their views about what is working well for them and what needs changing. There are many ways this can be done (videos, pictures, power-points as well as written forms) and that will depend on the age and abilities of your child/young person. Often a member of staff will do this with your child, or you may be asked to help them.  

If you (or your child) feel it would be beneficial for them to be able to discuss their views with an impartial person, then call us, as our 0-25 co-ordinator will be able to help with this. She will also be able to accompany your child to the meeting to assist them to express their views and to understand the process and what happens at the meeting. 

Your child should be invited to attend at least part of the meeting (again depending on age and ability).