Written Question · S2W-10895 · Session 2
Whether assessments for special educational needs carried out by educational psychologists are based on the needs of the child or resources…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether assessments for special educational needs carried out by educational psychologists are based on the needs of the child or resources available to the local authority; whether there are existing guidelines in respect of assessment for such needs and, if so, whether all local authorities are aware of such guidelines, and what steps it will take to ensure that assessments for special educational needs are based entirely on the needs of the child.
The answer
Assessments for special educational needs carried out by educational psychologists are based on the needs of the child. The Manual of Good Practice for all staff and professionals involved with children and young people with special educational needs; Effective Provision for Special Educational Needs (EPSEN); Circular 4/96: Children and Young People with SEN
- Assessment and Recording; and The Parents’ Guide to Special Educational Needs all provide guidelines and information on assessment for such needs.
The Parents’ Guide to Special Educational Needs may be accessed at:
http://www.childreninscotland.org.uk/enquire/pdf/Parents%20Guide04.pdf.
The other documents are on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Home.All these documents have been disseminated widely among local authorities.
It is a matter for local authorities to determine that assessments for special educational needs are carried out appropriately. However, following the report of the review of psychological services, Quality Indicators for self evaluation of psychological services have been developed. In addition, HM Inspectorate of Education will include psychological services in their integrated services inspections from 2005.
- Assessment and Recording; and The Parents’ Guide to Special Educational Needs all provide guidelines and information on assessment for such needs.
The Parents’ Guide to Special Educational Needs may be accessed at:
http://www.childreninscotland.org.uk/enquire/pdf/Parents%20Guide04.pdf.
The other documents are on the Scottish Executive website at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Home.All these documents have been disseminated widely among local authorities.
It is a matter for local authorities to determine that assessments for special educational needs are carried out appropriately. However, following the report of the review of psychological services, Quality Indicators for self evaluation of psychological services have been developed. In addition, HM Inspectorate of Education will include psychological services in their integrated services inspections from 2005.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-10895 by reference.