Annual Review (AR)

WHAT IS AN ANNUAL REVIEW?

An Annual Review (AR) is a review of a child's Statement of SEN ("Statement"). A child’s Statement must be reviewed every 12 months to check the child’s progress and the Statement’s continuing relevance. An AR will not always lead to changes in the child’s Statement. The AR meeting is arranged by the child’s head teacher and will be held at the child’s school. The child’s teacher and a representative of the LEA should also attend. The view of the child should always be sought where appropriate and they may be invited to attend the meeting.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ANNUAL REVIEW?

The purpose of an AR is to:

• Assess the child’s progress over the year in terms of the targets set at the previous AR.
• Collate and record information that the school and others can use in planning future support for the child.
• Consider the continuing appropriateness of the child’s Statement in light of the child’s performance during the previous year, and any additional SEN which may have become apparent within that time and therefore consider whether or not the Statement needs to be amended or ceased.
• Set new targets for the next 12 months.
• To bring together the views of everyone who helps the child.
• To consider the child’s progress in terms of seeing if the support or placement has been successful in meeting their needs.
• To record any changes in the child’s circumstances.
• To review any special provision that is being made for the child.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE AR MEETING?

The head teacher must invite the parents, the child’s teacher and a representative of the LEA ("Local Education Authority") to the meeting. They can also invite a representative from the local health authority, a representative from social services, the Educational Psychologist (EP) and anyone else that the head teacher feels will be able to be helpful to the review.

Before the meeting the head teacher will ask for written reports from the parents, the child’s teacher and any other professionals who know and work with the child. All those invited to the meeting should be sent a copy of all the views that have been received at least two weeks before the meeting. It is possible that not all of those invited to the meeting will be able to attend on the date set but the date must be suitable for at least one parent or guardian. The head teacher can also invite further comments from those who are unable to attend the meeting. The child can be asked to contribute to the review as well.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE AR MEETING?

The meeting will usually take place at the child’s school and will consider the views of the parents, the child, the school and other professionals involved with regards to the child’s progress. The level to which the objectives in the Statement and the ones set at the previous AR have been met will also be considered. National Curriculum requirements and targets for the coming year will be discussed as well as noting any further action that may be required after the meeting and who will be responsible for it. Finally, there will be a discussion as to whether or not the child’s Statement needs amending or ceasing.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE AR MEETING?

After the meeting the head teacher will send a report to the LEA recommending any changes that those present at the meeting felt should be made to the Statement. The school should also send the parents a copy of the report. The LEA will then decide whether they should make any changes to the Statement and may write to everyone who was involved in the AR and ask for their views on the proposed amendments. Changes may be made to the Statement if the child’s needs have changed significantly, if the LEA decides that different types of extra help are required or if the child is moving to a new school. If the Statement is changed then the parents have the same rights to appeal to the SEND Tribunal as when the Statement was originally made.

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Please note that every care is taken to ensure that the information included on this webpage is accurate. However, should you discover any information which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.

Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.