Who should be involved in the decision-making process about whether a child has a Special Educational Need?

The involvement of the child's keepers and parents, along with other professionals, in the decision-making process regarding a child's Special Educational Needs (SEN) is essential because it fosters a collaborative approach aimed at understanding the child's unique needs comprehensively. Parents and guardians are often the foremost experts on their child's strengths, challenges, and emotional well-being, which provides invaluable context when assessing needs.

Furthermore, including other professionals—such as special educators, speech therapists, or psychologists—ensures that a multitude of perspectives and expertise are considered. This collaboration helps in developing an informed, tailored educational plan that is sensitive to the child's requirements and optimizes their learning opportunities.

Involvement of a wider group also supports communication and continuity in the child's education, as everyone, including parents, educators, and specialists, can work together to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to support the child's development effectively. This unified approach is in line with best practices in educational settings, where input from various stakeholders ensures a holistic view of the child's needs and challenges.