These are challenging times. The scale of which we could not have imagined two weeks ago. What has been changed and the speed with which it has changed has meant that coproduction has not been a priority. FACT Bucks understand this but we have now put in place a weekly update with the Head of iSEND and others as a conduit of concerns and issues. So if you have any issues you wish to share please let us know – admin@factbucks.org.uk or chair@factbucks.org.uk. You can also use the Facebook page. Work will still go on, on SEND Improvement and we will engage remotely as much as we can.
At the foot of this, is the link to the current SEND updates – these have been produced to guide us all through the processes that are vital to ensuring our young people get the provisions to meet their needs – they are to be updated weekly and we have already offered feedback. Currently processes are being run as ’normal’ and the emergency legislation much talked about has not yet been enacted so the law continues to place a duty on the LA to secure provision to meet need. This might change and with it timescales but until then every effort is being made to complete processes using alternative communication methods.
Any EHCP assessment process currently underway can be halted only by parents in this time, if they wish to do so. We have agreed that all Plans finalised in these times are to have a caveat in them stating that they may be incomplete and that at the next Annual Review missing assessments or information will be sought and included. The ability of services provided by the NHS to deliver on their statutory duties will now be severely restricted as all NHS staff have been diverted to frontline work. Any parent wishing to request an assessment for an EHCP must now do so by email (see briefing link below) as post is not being handled at this time.
Annual Reviews will still take place next term as planned if at all possible and the EHC Coordinators will ensure that arrangements are made for those who will transfer to a new school in September. More information as it emerges.
We are very aware of the pressures on families. The loss of respite and support is a huge blow for many, as is the collapse of routine and freedom to move. We understand the health priority that led to this but we are seeking additional support for vulnerable families in whatever form is available and a plan to restart respite etc as soon as it is safe to do so.
Andrew Howard – Parent and Chair
Government and Buckinghamshire Update
https://schoolsweb.buckscc.gov.uk/covid-19-corona-virus-latest-advice/covid-19-send/
