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New EHCP annual review process
Published
The new term sees settings across Gloucestershire roll out the new annual review process, tested with settings and local parent carers over the last year. We aim to ensure that the annual review process results in well-informed EHC plans that support settings in meeting the needs of children and young people. To achieve this, we have focused focused on making the annual review process more clear and consistent for children and young people with an EHCP and their families.
· What will the new annual review process do?
The new process will:
- Ensure the needs of children and young people are met: Regular reviews will keep support aligned with the child’s evolving needs, ensuring timely adjustments and interventions.
- Promote progress: Provide a structured opportunity to assess progress against outcomes, celebrate achievements, and set new goals.
- Hear the views of children and young people: Annual reviews focus on the views of children, young people, and their families, fostering inclusion and ownership of their journey.
- Allow collaborative working so the EHCP outlines the needs of the child or young person and the provision they require to achieve their outcomes: Bringing together schools, families, and professionals to co-produce plans that are holistic and responsive.
- Improve outcomes for children and young people: With up-to-date and well-informed plans, children are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and be better prepared for adulthood.
The new annual review process includes some new documents to better support all involved:
Annual Review Process Guidance – outlining responsibilities of settings and the local authority
Annual Review Meeting Facilitation Guidance – supporting effective planning and chairing of review meetings
Annual Review Meeting Paperwork Guidance – support on completing the paperwork
Annual Review Independent Advice Guidance – supporting understanding of what advice is gathered and needed for both an assessment and an annual review
‘My Annual Review Form’ – with enhanced focus on the child’s voice, progress against outcomes, preparation for adulthood, involvement of agencies in review and access to full-time education.
Coming soon - Annual Review Parent Carer Guidance – an overview of the new process specifically for parent carers will be published later in Autumn.
What we are doing now
· We worked with parent carers, the Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum and SENDIASS to ensure that developments are shaped by lived experience and reflect the needs of families.
· Specialist settings have now been trained in the new annual review process and mainstream settings are now beginning training.
· We will be trialling the use of a new communication system that will enable us to provide updates more quickly and efficiently.
· New guidance will be developed to consolidate Gloucestershire County Council’s existing resources on capturing pupil voice effectively. This will be complemented by a professional directory to help settings identify and engage appropriate professionals, ensuring well-rounded input into annual reviews.
If you have any queries, please contact your caseworker and to view the new annual review resources - click on The Annual Review Process section here with information for practitioners here