1. Interpret sensitive and complex information from-professional assessment relating to individual children with special educational needs, health needs and social care needs to draft EHC Plans, so that the plans are clear, easy to read, jargon free and well written. Information from the professional reports will need to describe the individual child or young person’s needs, and the provisions required to meet needs. All information in the final plan must be clearly evident in professional advice
2. Write EHC Plans, or Notes in Lieu of a Plan, for checking prior to issue within strict statutory timescales and to a high standard that would meet legal requirements and satisfy external scrutiny
3. Identify any gaps in the reports provided and any discrepancies in the assessment advice provided and liaise with SEN Advisory Officers to ensure statutory advices are received, complete and inform the plan
4. Make effective use of SEN Database in managing the statutory assessment process for children and young people with special educational needs, ensuring that LA procedures are followed and all relevant data and information is recorded on the database
5. The post holder will be required to enter information onto the SEN database to ensure that the Authority maintains an accurate record of all current cases. The information recorded will be confidential and sensitive and must not be disclosed to unauthorized persons. The database is used for casework scheduling, document storage and long term educational planning, so accurate and complete data is essential. All data activities must be fully compliant with data protection law and council policies in managing sensitive and confidential data
6. Under the guidance of the SEN Advisory Officers, respond to parental submissions regarding proposed EHC Plans, and to make amendments where appropriate but also to ensure that any revised wording does not inappropriately restrict options for provision and school placement
7. Work closely with SEN Advisory Officers to assist with case work when required, including the scheduling and arranging of EHC plan coordinator meetings with parents and professionals
8. Work proactively with children, young people, parents and professionals in relation to EHC plan progression through telephone and email contact ensuring parents and young people are kept up to date and involved in the plan writing process
9. Respond to requests for personal budgets for elements of the EHC plan calculating the education part of the plan and liaising with health and care managers to secure agreement for health and care elements. Write personal budgets approved into plan and ensure payments initiated and recorded in line with agency protocols
10. Prioritise workloads so plans are completed within statutory timescales
11. Provide information for complex cases in preparation for SEN team response to formal mediation and first tier tribunal court appeals