Pupil Access and Community Services

County Hall

Martineau Lane

Norwich

NR1 2DL

Minicom: (01603) 223833

Ms. R. Vahey

April 2002 01603 222900

(e-mail: ros.vahey.edu@norfolk.gov.uk)

Headteachers and SENCOs

Chairs of Governing Bodies

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to introduce to you the final SEN Framework document which sets out our LEA vision for developing inclusive practice for special and additional educational needs. This presents the culmination of work which has been developing over the last year but which, for reasons of staff absence, we have had difficulty in publishing until now.

I hope that you will find the Framework a helpful and useful resource as you plan with governors and parents to further develop inclusive practice in school. The vision for Norfolk outlines the key principles developed through the discussion process during 1999/2000. These principles guide the development of provision planning to meet the needs of all pupils for the next five years. There is a great deal of expertise and good practice already in our schools and we hope this vision will guide you in the support you provide to children and young people. Accompanying the document, you will find a briefing paper which provides a practical summary of the main statutory and legislative guidance in this field. Also attached is a briefing paper for Governors. The Framework document itself includes an Executive Summary.

During the summer term 2002, there will be an opportunity to consider the implications of the SEN Framework in a wide variety of forums including headteacher meetings and briefings for governors.

I look forward to working in partnership with you to achieve our goal of raising standards for all children.

Yours sincerely

Director of Education