Inclusion Advice Forum

 

Message from Jo Kelly - 12.12.2024

 

Update on new Inclusion Pathway for 2025

Consultation with schools/settings took place earlier this term on a change to our Inclusions Pathways in respect to IAF and feedback has been built into next steps.

The outcome is that in line with preferences of schools/settings we will move to a new process in the New Year and IAF will end.

There will still be an IAF on 12^th December as planned and an additional one on the morning of January 30^th 2025. This will ensure that a support/advice pathway is in place while we prepare for these changes during this busy period in the run up to Christmas and the start of the Spring term.

In essence there will be a move to:

• Using Integrated Consultation Panels (ICPs) for advice where a multi-agency discussion and joint action planning is the most relevant approach for pupils with significant multiple barriers to inclusion and /or attendance (including where EBSA may be the barrier). See more information here - Integration practitioner teams and consultation panels | Shropshire Council

 

• A weekly Pathway meeting with TMBSS for swift support for those pupils where a TMBSS primary, Section 19 or Medical place is being requested.

 

Where pupils have an EHCP or are in the ECHNA process the SEN pathway must be used. However, where there are relevant circumstances a pupil with an EHCP or in the ECHNA process can be considered for discussion at the weekly Pathway meeting or the ICP.

We are working with colleagues (for example across Early help, TMBSS, SEN, Education Access, Virtual School and Education Quality & Safeguarding) to get this ready and there will be a full communication coming out for the start of term with more detail, including examples and a flowchart. This will also include schedules & relevant documents - plus information on how the attendance element re Persistent/Severe Absence will work.

We look forwards to developing this new Inclusion Pathway so we can work towards putting the right support in the right place at the right time.

 

Best wishes

Jo

Jo Kelly

Head of the Virtual School and Access to Education

 

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Final Inclusion Advice Forum and Referral Submission Deadline

The final Inclusion Advice Forum will be held on Thursday, 30th January 2025, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Please send the completed referral form to eas@shropshire.gov.uk by 4:00 PM on Thursday, 23rd January 2025. Please note that any forms received after this time and date will not be accepted.

Please be aware:

• Once the agenda is set, you will be emailed a time slot to the email address provided on the referral form. You are only required to attend for your allocated 15-minute slot and do not need to stay for the entire forum.
• Verbal advice and feedback will be provided during the meeting; no minutes or further written feedback will be given.

If you have any questions, please email us at eas@shropshire.gov.uk.

 

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