Embedded Files
Powys Inclusion Panel (PIP)
The Powys Inclusion Panel (PIP), is a multi-agency panel which meets every other week during term-time to discuss and co-ordinate local authority ALN support to schools and learners. This can be anything from EP assessments, sensory service involvement, behaviour support, specialist teacher involvement, and specialist outreach support.
To access this support, schools must follow the local authority’s ‘graduated approach to need’. This means that schools must evidence any intervention or support that they have already tried with the learner and attend the relevant consultation before making a referral to PIP. This is so that the authority officers have the necessary background information to be able to help the school and pupil effectively. If the relevant evidence is not there, or if the panel don’t agree that the requested support is appropriate, the request will be refused.
PIP also deals with LA IDP requests which includes deciding on ALN based on the Additional Learning Needs code, the maintenance of Individua Development Plans (IDPs), and the delivery of Additional Learning Provision (ALPs).
PIP is chaired by an inclusion manager and the other attendees include an EP, health representative, behaviour leads, IDS, YIS, sensory service lead, and can include other professionals depending on the case.
Subcommittees of PIP
There are four subcommittees of PIP, and they are Early Years Powys Inclusion Panel (EYPIP), Disagreement Resolution Panel (DRP), Placement Panel, and Behaviour and EOTAS Consultation Panel.
Early Years Powys Inclusion Panel (EYPIP)
EYPIP functions in a similar way to PIP, but where the cases that are discussed at PIP are for statutory school aged pupils, EYPIP is for pupil between the ages 0-5 and supports our early years settings and nurseries rather than schools. EYPIP is chaired by the Early Years Additional Learning Needs Lead Officer (EYALNLO) and meets every two weeks during the term time.
Disagreement Resolution Panel (DRP)
The disagreement resolution panel has been set up with the purpose of reconsidering the local authority ALN decision (ALN/no ALN), reconsidering the content of an LA IDP, reconsidering the delivery of ALP in an LA IDP, considering Welsh language provision, and reconsidering the decision to cease to maintain an IDP. Only the young person themselves or parents and carers can submit a request to the DRP. Requests for reconsidering school decisions to the LA are still heard at PIP. A disagreement to DRP can only be lodged if there is additional information that has not previously been considered or if there is a technical problem with the initial decision.
DRP is chaired by the Service Lead for Inclusion and Youth Services and membership includes an EP, SNAP Cymru, parent representative, and a headteacher representative. The DRP meets when a disagreement is lodged.
Placement Panel
The placement panel co-ordinates and approves educational placements for children and young people with Local Authority Individual Development Plans (LA IDPs). It also considers complex requests for educational placements, including placements at independent schools.
Behaviour and EOTAS (Educated Otherwise Than At School) Consultation Panel
The behaviour and EOTAS consultation panel provides support, advice, and guidance to Powys settings and schools in relation to behaviour. It provides outreach from the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and considers subsequent PRU placements. It also considers requests for medical tuition and other EOTAS provision.
How do schools submit referrals to PIP via Tyfu?
Each referral requires supporting evidence and have certain prerequisites. These are all explained in two guidance documents and training that the Powys County Council ALN team has produced. These are Tyfu Demo 3. Referrals and the School Guide on Referrals to the LA which can be found below.
'Tyfu Demo 3. Referrals' (below) is a voice-overed PowerPoint presentation which explains how to submit a referral via Tyfu, how the graduated response works in practice, and what happens to your referral once the ALN team receives it.
Tyfu Demo 3. Referrals.pptxThe below 'School Guide on Referrals' explains in which circumstances to make referrals to PIP and the possible actions and outcomes for the school and Local Authority. It also contains 2 sections:
1: The Graduated Approach to Supporting Needs explains the 4 steps of a graduated response to need, what actions/interventions to try, the outcomes, and next steps. This includes steps that need to be taken before an authority referral is made.
2: Accessing LA Professional Advice gives further information on how to access LA professional advice and support.
School Guide to Referrals to the LA V1.2 English.pdfPage updated
Report abuse