Framework and Purpose

The majority of children with special educational needs are provided for by their school without the need for intervention from the special educational needs service. Schools receive funding in their annual budget to enable them to meet the needs of almost all children with special educational needs.

The SEN Code of Practice gives guidance on how children with special needs can be supported through a graduated response. Where the special provision made by the school over a period of time is not enabling a child to access the curriculum and make sufficient progress the school or parent may refer the child to the special educational needs service. 

The Special Educational Needs Service is area based and works to provide an equitable and effective system for identifying, assessing and supporting children and young people with special educational needs. This is done in partnership with other members of Access and Inclusion, schools, parents and other agencies, and within the resources and policies of Cumbria County Council.

Key Tasks

• Raising the achievements of all young people with special educational needs
• Promoting inclusion through access to mainstream education
• Statutory assessments of special educational needs
• Allocation and monitoring of statutory and non-statutory resources

Referrals

Schools can refer individual pupils for statutory assessment by completing the Children's Services Single Referral Form and including the requested evidence.  Further information for referrals from professionals is available from the link 'How to make a referral' at the top right of this page.  Parents can refer by letter.  Referrals for training and whole school issues should be discussed initially by contacting the relevant Area Assessment Officer (AAO).