See answers to previous information requests

This is a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding SEND panel processes.

1. Panel composition
• The number of panel members and their roles.
• Whether membership is fixed or varies, and if it varies, how consistency and quality of decision-making is ensured.
• Any training or requirements for panel members.
Details about panels can be found on the local offer. EHCP decision making panels: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/children-families-and-young-people/send-local-offer/help-learning/education-health-and-care-plan-ehcp/ehcp-decision-making-panels
Additional comments to address questions that may not be covered by the link:
Those attending panel on a regular basis, i.e. weekly or fortnightly help to ensure the consistently in approach and decision making.
The panel always refer back to the relevant legal framework.
There are no training requirements for panel members, but attendees are encouraged to observe before sitting on panel as an active member, and refresher guidance in terms of framework is provided at the start of each panel.

2. Workload and frequency
• The number of cases considered per panel meeting and per week.
• How often panels are held.
• Whether all cases listed for a panel are always heard. If not, please explain what happens to cases that are not heard (e.g. deferred to a future panel or otherwise processed), including whether any interim or default decisions are applied.
Details about panels can be found on the local offer. EHCP decision making panels (link above)
Additional comments to address questions that may not be covered by the link:
On average, 20 cases are considered by each panel each week.
All cases are heard, if there is insufficient evidence to make a decision it may be deferred to a future date. Panel continues until all cases have been heard.

3.Preparation
• Any guidance on when papers are provided and the expected time for panel members to review them.
• Any recorded information (e.g. surveys, audits, feedback) on whether panel members have sufficient time to review cases in advance.
Details about panels can be found on the local offer. EHCP decision making panels (link above)
Papers are shared Friday Morning, for panel the following Wednesday.
There is no guidance on the amount of time panel members are expected to spend reviewing paperwork
We do not have any recorded feedback on whether there is sufficient time to review cases

4. Decision-making
• How decisions are made (e.g. consensus, voting).
• The role of the chair in the decision-making process.
Details about panels can be found on the local offer. EHCP decision making panels (link above)

5. Governance and oversight
• Any policies or safeguards to ensure decisions are independent and evidence-based.
• Any internal review, moderation, or quality assurance processes applied to panel decisions prior to issuing EHCPs.
Details about panels can be found on the local offer. EHCP decision making panels (link above)

6. Records and accountability
• Whether records or minutes of panel decisions are kept.
• Any data held on complaints or concerns regarding SEND panel decision-making over the past three years.
Details about panels can be found on the local offer. EHCP decision making panels (link above).
We do not collect data on complaints or concerns regarding SEND Panel decision-making over the past three years.