Management Information Sheet

Core Consultations are a free service offered to Norfolk schools by Educational Psychology & Specialist Support (EPSS), as part of the local offer of SEN support services.

Currently we are working with around 75% of Norfolk schools (LA, Federations and Academies) across Norfolk. If you have not yet signed up ... please read on!

Core Consultations are free, termly meetings (held virtually) which are led by a Specialist Learning Support Teacher with an SEMH Practitioner and, if requested, an Autism Support Specialist. Where schools have a traded contract with EPSS, arrangements can be made for their Educational Psychologist to also attend. Otherwise, in non-EPSS traded schools, there is the possibility of a Trainee EP attending.

Core Consultations provide information and support in the following ways:

• Recommendations on interventions and strategies to support individual children and young people's needs
• Support and professional challenge to ensure a graduated and collaborative approach in meeting children's needs and removing barriers to inclusion
• Discussion of SEN issues and inclusive practice arising from pupil-focused conversations
• Signposting to other services as part of Norfolk's Local Offer of support

Feedback from schools indicates a strengthening of schools' knowledge of SEND approaches and confidence in addressing the needs of pupils following a Core Consultation.

Engagement with Core Consultations supports identification of, and early support for needs ahead of any application for an EHC needs assessment.

EPSS identification of children through Core Consultation also facilitates the statutory assessment process where this is needed, providing a record of discussion and advice.

Going forward, any school seeking to submit a request for EHCP will ideally have discussed the case in a CC.

Some comments from SENDCos and Head Teachers

"It was extremely helpful to have several experts on one call. The advice and support from experts on cognition and learning, ASD and SEMH looking at aspects of the whole child was amazing."

"A huge thank you to the professionals who attended the meeting. They have followed through with everything they promised or suggested."

"It was most helpful to have the ability to share concerns and put forward ideas for better working practices."

Next steps

To sign up for Core Consultation Meetings, please contact sandra.winter@norfolk.gov.uk

You will then be contacted by a Specialist Learning Support Teacher to set a date for an initial meeting.