Possible outcomes
Request agreed
We have determined from the evidence that the child will not receive a suitable education unless arrangements are made for them. Therefore, alternative provision will be provided.
According to the context of the request, we will determine the:
- nature of the alternative provision
- provider
- venue
Regular reviews will take place. The focus will remain on alternative provision being a short-term intervention, and not an end destination. We will aim to achieve a sustained return to school and full-time education as soon as possible.
The alternative provision will be arranged by the:
- pupil reintegration team (PRT)
- SEND team, for children with an EHC plan, when the request is for ‘other reasons’, or if the child’s illness is long-term and, or linked to other special educational needs
- education welfare and engagement team if return to school pathway
Request not agreed at this time
We have determined that the child can receive suitable education at their current setting.
A minimum of a three-month check-in on the case will be scheduled for the relevant caseworker (PRT or SEND for those children with an EHC plan). They will review:
- the child’s engagement and any support in place
- whether alternative provision should be considered
This can be a multi-agency meeting or supplement multi-agency working and meetings that take place.
The line manager of the caseworker will diarise an update from the caseworker following the three-month check-in.
If at the three-month check-in some progress has been made, but the child is still not regularly attending, a further three-month check is diarised. A request can be re-submitted for consideration in the future if the needs of the child or progress towards full time education is not sufficient.
Professionals should be mindful in review meetings whether the progress towards full time education is sufficient. If it is not, they should consider:
- what additional steps need to be put in place, including extra support, strategies and agencies
- whether alternative provision should be considered
For ‘otherwise’, as this often involves parent or carer concerns that their child’s needs are not being met, the quality and effectiveness team can be involved. They act as a strategic professional partner to schools, providing support to senior leaders (including governors). They ensure schools are rigorous in evaluating and implementing effective inclusive practice to meet the additional needs of children.
Request to be discussed at multi-agency meeting
We have decided that multi-agency discussion is required. This will determine whether:
- the child can be supported to receive a suitable education
- alternative provision arrangements need to be made for them
The lead officer will arrange the meeting and invite all relevant agencies, including (but not limited to):
- parent or carer
- child
- school
- involved agencies
Where the request is in relation to medical needs, further evidence may be sought from relevant medical professionals. This will help to determine whether alternative provision arrangements need to be made for the child.
Following the multi-agency, the request will either be:
- agreed
- not agreed at this time
- not agreed
Next steps should be set out as per these outcomes.
Request not agreed
We have determined from the evidence that the request isn’t in relation to the section 19 duty. There will be no further action.
The school will be informed when a parental request for alternative provision has been made. It is important for headteachers and principals to know when a family does not feel confident in the school’s provision.
The school should be part of:
- the three-month check ins
- any multi-agency meetings
This will support their proactive implementation of reasonable adjustments. It will ensure, wherever possible, that they are providing education that continues to be reasonably practicable for the child to attend.
Case recording
Recording of all actions and decision points to be on the child’s Mosaic record in casenotes.