If it is deemed necessary then parents/carers, the child’s class teacher or a member of SLT may request that an inital Child’s Plan meeting should take place. The wellbeing indicators are used to structure recording of a specific concern that may be raised with or by practitioners that may need further assessment or action, for example, not doing as well in school as expected. A concern can be an event itself, or a series of events, or attributes, which affect the wellbeing or potential wellbeing of a child or young person, for example, missing appointments for health checks.
A concern can also arise because a child or young person is, for example, living in a family where a parent may be misusing drugs or alcohol. Parents, children and young people themselves may have concerns that they bring to the attention of practitioners.
The five questions any practitioner needs to ask are the same questions all practitioners need to raise when they are concerned about a child or young person:
- What is getting in the way of this child or young person’s wellbeing?
- Do I have all the information I need to help this child or young person?
- What can I do now to help this child or young person?
- What can my agency do to help this child or young person?
- What additional help, if any, may be needed from others?
The wellbeing indicators are also used when a plan is being constructed or reviewed, to summarise the child or young person’s needs.
Ongoing Child’s Plan Meetings (CPMs)
Child’s Plan Meetings (CPM), for identified learners working within Pathway 3, will happen throughout the session. These meetings should last no longer than 45 minutes. An invitation will be sent out to you in advance, with a ‘Thoughts and Comments’ form that you can use to share your views. We will also advise you of any other professionals that will be invited. If there is anyone that you would like to invite, please let the school know well in advance. Your child will also be invited to the meeting however may decide not to attend so we will collect their views using a ‘My View for My Team’ document.
We work with other agencies and professionals – for example, Social Work Services, Educational Psychology Service, National Health Service and you the parent to make decisions with regards to the best possible education to meet the needs of your child within the resources available.
Parents, carers and children with additional support needs can also seek independent advice and support through:
- Enquire: enquire.org.uk Telephone 0845 123 2303
- Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, siaa.org.uk Telephone 0131 260 5380
- National Advocacy Service for Additional Support Needs (Barnardos in association with the Scottish Child Law Centre) sclc.org.uk Telephone 0131 667 6633.