What is an annual review?

The Local Authority (LA) must review your child's Statement of Special Educational Needs at least every year (every six months for children under five). Early or interim reviews can be called if necessary. 

It is the responsibility of the school to organise the annual review and it is usually held at the school. Everyone who is involved with your child is invited to attend or send written comments. The meeting will:

• consider your child's progress and whether the Statement is still appropriate for your child's needs.
• record changes that need to be made to your child’s Statement.
• set new targets for the next year to be used to update the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

It is an opportunity for you and your child to share your views with the School and the LA.

Who will attend the meeting?

The school will invite you, your child, people who have worked with your child in school, any professionals who have been involved, a representative from the LA and anyone else you or the school feel would be able to give helpful information or advice. It is very important that you attend your child's Annual Review.

Will there be any paperwork?

All the people invited to the meeting by the school will be asked for a report. Reports are returned to the school so the school can send copies out two weeks before the meeting. It is important for you to complete the form which asks for your views and return it to the school. Your child's views should also be provided if possible.

What will happen at the meeting?

Your child's progress will be discussed and information shared. The Statement will be looked at to make sure it is up to date. You can ask questions or if you are unclear about anything you can ask for an explanation. You will be asked for your views. In addition to the Statement being looked at, the meeting will look at your child’s Individual Education Plan and amend the targets. The review should end with a clear set of targets that the school and your child can work on until the next review.

Reviews in years 2, 6 and 9

These reviews are called transition reviews. The review in year 2 looks at the transition into Key Stage 2. The review in year 6 should be held in the autumn term and considers the transition to High School in year 7. The review in year 9 is held to put forward recommendations and make plans for your child's move into adult life and will include the Careers Service.

What happens after the annual review?

A report of the meeting, summing up what was said and including any recommendations made will be sent to the LA, along with all the reports submitted for the review. Everyone who went to the meeting will be sent a copy. If there are any changes to the Statement to be made, the LA will make these changes and send you an Amended Statement.

Further information is available from the school SENCo or from SNAP Cymru which provides independent parental support and can be contacted on 0845 120373.