The SEN Casework Team is responsible for statutory duties in relation to SEN.
The team is responsible specifically for:
- processing requests for statutory assessment for children and young people aged 2 to19, in consultation with other agencies, as outlined in the SEN Code of Practice
- monitoring Annual Reviews and transition plans
- ensuring that the provision identified in a statement is delivered to the child or young person
- resolving disagreement, either by working directly with parents or by working with Parent Partnership or an independent Mediation Service
- representing the Local Authority’s position at the First-Tier Tribunal (SEND)
- exercising SEN functions to meet the requirement of value for money.
How the team makes a difference
- Ensuring that the needs of children and young people are appropriately identified.
- Ensuring that statements are based on a joint assessment, planning and review processes that keep parents and cares at the heart of discussions and decision making about their child.
- Identifying clear and achievable objectives to enable the child or young person to make progress.
- Working to strict timescales to ensure that children receive the right support as quickly as possible.
- Effectively communicating with families and professionals to clarify and pre-empt disagreement which can make a difference to parental confidence and pupil progress.
- Enabling effective transition through careful planning, monitoring and identifying pathways for future education or employment.
- Managing a countywide moderation panel to ensure equity and fairness in relation to special education provision.
- Managing regular placement panels to consider admissions to specialist provisions.
- Providing effective communication by skilled and knowledgeable SEN Officers with parents, schools/settings, support services, hub workers, social workers, health colleagues, other outside agencies and the voluntary and community sector.
The impact of the SEN Casework Team
- 100% of statutory assessments in Oxfordshire are processed within prescribed timescales (26 weeks).
- Few pupils with statements are excluded from either mainstream or special school.
- Low numbers of complaints and tribunals.
- Low number of placements in out of county provision.
Costs to users
The SEN Casework Team provides statutory functions, these are provided free of charge to settings, schools and academies.