RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST- SUITABLE EDUCATION

Efforts are made to encourage the child to be present at the visit; in some cases it is the parents' wish that the child is not present.

There could be concern if the child has not been present at more than one visit and the provision, as outlined by the parents, may call for some improvement.

Providing written evidence cannot in itself provide evidence of a `suitable education' as education is a holistic process, therefore if there is no face to face contact with any family members, this could be a concern.

The venue for the meeting has very little bearing on whether there would be concerns raised, rather the reasoning behind the reluctance to accept a visit at home, although that is the family's right.

Each case is unique and is worked on the basis of the welfare, safety and best interests of the child concerned. The focus is on the provision of opportunities to give the child in question the skills necessary to achieve success in the future in whatever form that may be.

Margaret Cunliffe

Diversity Supportive Learning Consultant