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Evidenced-based consultation

What is consultation?

Our team can facilitate problem-solving meetings known as Consultations. Consultations may take place as part of individual casework, group work, or at a whole school level. They are solution-focused processes that aim for agreed-upon actions. They are collaborative and inclusive of teachers, parents/carers, other relevant professionals, and, where appropriate, children and young people themselves. 

What are the benefits?

Consultation is found to be a positive experience by SENCos, teachers, parents/carers and other professionals. Positive benefits include:

  • Parents feel supported and report positively on the collaborative work.
  • Teachers’ problem-solving skills are enhanced by their involvement in consultation meetings, and they report increased professional skills.
  • Gains generalise to other children in the class due to increased teacher effectiveness.
  • Whole school achievement increases.
  • Knowsley’s Assessment, Placement, and Provision panel considers it good practice to engage in preventative practice such as this prior to requesting a formal assessment.

Consultations are most effective when:

  • Each person contributes to the discussion and values the thoughts and opinions of others in the room.
  • People are open-minded about what can be achieved and concentrate on finding solutions.
  • Confidentiality is maintained.

How do I prepare for a consultation meeting?

To gain the most from these meetings, it is essential that you come prepared with:

  • Information about the pupil’s strengths and interests.
  • An overview of your concerns about the pupil - some staff find it helpful to make a list of concerns and use the categories of the SEN Code of Practice as a guide, i.e.:
    • Cognition and Learning
    • Communication and Interaction
    • Social, Emotional and Mental Health
    • Physical and/or Sensory
  • Provide up-to-date information on academic progress and any recent assessment scores.
  • Information about the strategies and interventions that have been tried before EP involvement.

What is helpful for the SENCo to do as part of the process?

  • Arrange for the relevant staff to be released for 1-1.5 hours for the consultations.
  • Where possible, attend the meeting together with the teacher. SENCos have a wealth of knowledge and can often bring fresh solutions.
  • Ensure a private room is available for the meeting.
  • Liaise with parents to ensure their attendance at the meeting.
  • Collate assessment information for the meeting.

In addition to consultations for individual casework, we also offer EY Group Consultation and Reception/KS1 Group Consultation, in which settings can share challenges and formulate solutions as a group. Those not presenting also take away strategies for CYP in their setting.