See notes
I am making a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please provide:
1. Panel Framework & Criteria
a) Any written Terms of Reference for SEND placement panels or SEND resource allocation panels
b) Any documented criteria, guidance, or decision-making framework used by panels when considering:
i. Specialist school placements (state-maintained or independent/non-maintained)
ii. Specialist school taster visits or assessment placements
iii. Resource base placements
iv. Independent special school placements
2. 'Due Diligence' Definition - Any internal guidance, policy, or definition explaining what 'due diligence' means in the context of SEND panel decisions regarding school placements
3. Decision Recording
a) The template, form, or standard structure (if any) used to record:
i. Panel decisions
ii. The rationale for panel decisions
iii. Any dissenting views or considerations
b) Written confirmation of whether panel members are required to document their reasoning for decisions
4. Decision Review Process
a) Any documented process for parents to request reconsideration of a panel decision
b) Any criteria for when a panel decision may be reviewed or reconsidered
We have been advised by the Head of SEND that the following website links answers this FOI:
https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/sites/wokingham/files/2025-02/EHCP%20decision%20making%20panels%20terms%20of%20reference%20version%201%20Feb%202025.pdf
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