Q6. How can we ensure that children in the Specialist layer are best supported?

The context: Specialist support will be reserved for children with the most complex needs. New, nationally defined ‘Specialist Provision Packages’ will outline packages of provision and these will form the basis of an education, health and care plan (EHCP). A digital Individual Support Plan will set out the day-to-day support needed. Children will have access to Inclusion Bases (‘Specialist Bases’) within mainstream settings where required. Some children receiving Specialist support will attend special school.

In your answer, you may want to consider:

• Children will be assessed as to whether they need a Specialist package by the local authority, using a new, statutory needs assessment process. This assessment must take account of children’s social and emotional wellbeing as well as educational attainment, and allow for needs arising from trauma and disrupted attachments.