Invitation for schools to take part in focus groups regarding:

At the request of Schools Forum Michael Bateman is leading a focused piece of project work lasting from March until December 2008. The scope of the project is to consider a series of options for consultation on changes to the way Statements are funded in Norfolk. This will take place with reference to the national context together with a particular focus on assisting early intervention and looking at the relationship between funding for Statements in the mainstream and special school sectors.

As well as considering the national perspective and looking at what other local authorities are doing, we will be seeking opinions and ideas through a number of one-off half-day focus groups with:

Parents of children and young people with SEN

SEN Caseworkers / Area Services Managers (Inclusion)

School Support Teams

Parent Partnership, Family Voice Norfolk, SEN Network

Special Schools

The Headteacher / SENCo / Chair of Governors from four "categories" of schools:

			Small / rural primary phase
			Large / urban primary phase
			Rural high schools
			Urban high schools

Many thanks to those schools who have already offered to take part in the focus groups but we need more schools in the following categories:

			Large / urban primary phase
			Rural high schools
			Urban high schools

Each half-day focus group will take place during June and July. If you would like to be involved and can spare a half day please contact Marianne Ashford, SEN Strategy Project Officer, to express your interest.

If you have any queries regarding the project please don't hesitate to contact Michael Bateman Strategic Manager, Special Educational Needs Tel: 01603 224494 or by email.