Periodic Review of the SEND Register

Ever tried spring cleaning and stumbled upon an old, dusty photo album, only to realise how much has changed over time? Well, our SEND register can be much like that album – full of crucial snapshots of our students’ needs. However, without regular reviews, it risks becoming outdated. Let’s unravel the significance and methods of ensuring our SEND register is as current as today’s newspaper headline, and not a relic of the past.

The Significance of Regularly Reviewing the SEND Register

1) Reflecting Changing Needs

Students’ needs can evolve over time, influenced by various factors like interventions, personal circumstances, and academic progression. Regular reviews ensure the register accurately mirrors current needs.

2) Efficient Resource Allocation

An updated register enables schools to direct resources where they’re most needed. It prevents the misallocation of support to students whose needs might have changed.

3) Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Regular reviews ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and other regulatory benchmarks.

4) Enhanced Collaboration with Stakeholders

A current register fosters informed discussions with parents, caregivers, and other stakeholders. It provides an accurate foundation for collaborative planning and interventions.

Strategies for Effective Periodic Review

1) Schedule Regular Checkpoints

• Determine a fixed schedule for reviews – be it termly, bi-annually, or annually. This ensures consistency and systematic updates.
• Sync these reviews with other school assessments or reporting periods for efficiency.

2) Foster Open Communication Channels

• Facilitate avenues for teachers, support staff, and parents to communicate changes in a student’s needs or circumstances.
• Encourage an open-door policy, where teachers feel empowered to raise flags about potential changes required in the register.

3) Implement a Multi-Tiered Review System

• Start with a broad review of the entire register.
• Follow up with focused reviews, diving deep into specific cases that might need detailed assessment.

4) Utilise Digital Tools

• Consider adopting digital SEND management systems. These platforms often come with features that flag impending reviews or highlight inconsistencies.
• Ensure backups and maintain digital security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.

5) Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

• Equip staff with training to ensure they are proficient in identifying, assessing, and reporting changes in students’ SEND requirements.

Challenges and Considerations

While reviewing the SEND register, it’s crucial to:

1. Maintain Confidentiality: The register contains sensitive data. Ensure all reviews maintain strict confidentiality standards.
2. Be Comprehensive: While updates are necessary, avoid hasty decisions. Ensure any change is backed by evidence and careful deliberation.
3. Engage Parents: Parents or caregivers play a pivotal role in the review process. Their insights can be invaluable in understanding shifts in students’ needs.

In wrapping up, dear SENCO aficionados, much like that old photo album, the SEND register captures essential snapshots. But unlike the album, which is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, our SEND register must remain in the present, reflecting the now. So, as we delve into our next review, let’s ensure every entry, every detail, resonates with the current melodies of our students’ narratives. Until our next chronological journey, happy reviewing!