Frequently Asked Questions

Annual Reviews

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.

The Annual Review is normally held in your child’s School or Early Years Setting. Everyone who is involved with your child is invited to attend or send written comments. The review will:
Record any changes to your child’s circumstancesConsider your child’s progress and whether the Statement is still appropriate to meet your child’s needsSet new targets for the next year to be used to update the Individual Education plan (IEP)

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

Who will attend the Annual Review meeting?

The Head Teacher will invite you, your child whenever possible, people who have worked with your child, professionals who have been involved, a representative of the LA and anyone else you, or the Head Teacher, feels would be able to give helpful information or advice. Some people who are invited may not attend but may provide written reports prior to the meeting.

Will there be any paperwork for an Annual Review?

All the people invited to the meeting will be asked for a report. Copies of reports should be sent out 2 weeks before the meeting. It will be helpful if you could complete the form which asks for your views and return it to school/setting. If possible, your child’s views should also be represented.

What will happen at the Annual Review meeting?

Your child’s progress will be discussed and information shared. You can ask questions or ask for an explanation if you are unclear about anything that is said. You will be asked for your views, which will be taken into account and recorded.

When should Secondary Transfer be discussed?

At the Y5 Annual Review transfer to Secondary School will be discussed. This will give you the opportunity to discuss types of settings you may wish to consider for secondary school and also provides enough time for you to visit as many schools as you wish before having to make the decision at the beginning of the following year.

What will happen following the Annual Review?

A report of the meeting, summing up what was said and making recommendations is sent to the LA, along with all the reports that were submitted. Everyone who went to the meeting, or sent a report will be sent a copy. The LA will contact you to tell you if they agree with the recommendations. If there are changes in provision or placement, the LA will consult you about amending the Statement.

What is an Interim Review?

An Interim review is can be called at any time through the year to discuss significant changes to circumstances regarding your child, their educational needs or school provision. The report from the interim review is sent to the LA with recommendations for them to consider which may include a change of school and/or a move to more specialist provision.

What is the Y9 Transitional Review?

A Transition Review is held in Year 9 to make recommendations and plans for your child’s move into adult life, involving the Connexions Service.