When a child has a statement of special educational needs, it is important that it is checked to make sure that it still reflects your child’s special educational needs. This is the main purpose of the annual review.

The law requires that a statement is reviewed every 12 months, but for children under 5, it may be reviewed every 6 months.  An early annual review can be called if necessary.

It is the duty of Wakefield Council to ensure that the annual review takes place.  It is the responsibility of the school to arrange the annual review and mange the paper work.

The Headteacher will invite you and anyone else who is involved with your child, to attend the meeting or send a written report. Your child will also be invited to the meeting if it is appropriate. By law the Headteacher has to invite parent/carers, the teacher that knows your child best and a representative from Wakefield Council to the meeting.

The school may also invite representatives from the health authority and social services if they are working with your child. They can also invite other professionals it is felt can give information and advice. Not everyone who is invited will attend, but they may provide written reports. 

The annual reviews meetings are usually held at your child’s early education setting or school.

Your child’s early education setting or school should write to you 6 weeks before the annual review is to take place with the time and date of the meeting. You should make every effect to attend the meetings. This is because your child’s statement will be reviewed to ensure it is up to date and your views are important. The support your child will receive in the coming year will be discussed, as will their progress in school.    

It is also an opportunity for parents/carers to ask any questions they have about the support your child is receiving or any concerns or issues you have about their child’s education.   

It is very important that you let the early education settling or school know if you can’t attend the annual review on the date/time arranged. The school should try to re-arrange the date/time of the meeting for when you are available. Although it can be difficult to re-arrange so that professionals can attend. If circumstances are that the meeting needs to be held, it can go ahead without your attendance.

When you are sent your written invite to the meeting, there should also be enclosed a parental views form for you to complete and return to school. This form is so that you can let the school know your views, on how you feel your child is doing at school and home. This form should be feedback to the annual review meeting. 

Your child should have the opportunity, to give their views to the annual review meeting. In Wakefield most schools have a form for your child to complete. The form is usually completed in school, with the support of a member of staff if it is needed. If it is appropriate your child may also be invited to attend the meeting and give their views.    

The meeting is usually chaired by the Headteacher or SENCO.  Everyone attending the meeting will introduce themselves, and the Chair will explain how the meeting will proceed. The meeting will hold discussion regarding your child’s difficulties and progress, considering any written reports and then look at the statement, to ensure that all parts are correct and reflects your child’s needs:-

     Part 1 - address, phone number
     Part 2 - description of your child’s needs
     Part 3 - Educational provision and objectives
     Part 4 - School Placement (which school your child attends)
     Part 5 - None - Education (medical needs)
     Part 6 - None - Education provision (transport provided too and from school)

If any changes to the statement are recommended than this will be recorded. Your child’s progress will be discussed and professionals working with your child will talk about the work they are doing. You should ask any questions, if you are unclear about anything that has been discussed at the meeting.  Professionals working with your child may also provide a report for the meeting, which you should receive a copy of.