What is an IDP?

The IDP - Individual Development Plan - outlines and documents the additional learning provision required to meet the identified ALN and:

• is central to assessing and meeting ALN going forward

• replaces the existing Statement of Special Educational Needs over time

• is a single plan with a common format for learners aged 0-25

• will integrate all other individual plans

• is designed to be more accessible and easier to update to meet changing needs

• will specify the ALP required to meet the learner's ALN

Who will have an IDP?

• Any learner aged 0 to 25 years with additional learning needs who requires additional learning provision that is 'different from or additional to' what is provided as part of the usual differentiated curriculum will have an IDP.

• All children and young people with additional learning needs that require additional learning provision will have an IDP.

• Most IDPs will be developed by the school or FEI in collaboration with the family and appropriate professionals.

• Local authorities will be responsible for the preparation of IDPs for children and young people with more severe or complex ALN and those who are ‘Looked After’.

• Children under compulsory school age and not in a maintained school can be brought to the attention of the local authority by parents or a health professional.

Measuring success

• Each IDP will include a clear action plan, which will be reviewed at least every 12 months or on request from a parent/carer to consider whether the child or young person is making progress towards their targets.

• An IDP review will gather and analyse any new information or evidence. It will consider if the description of ALN in the IDP is still correct in the light of any new information or evidence, whether new targets should be set and whether the provision is still appropriate.

• We will discuss person-centred planning reviews in the next section.

What if the learner or parents/carers are unhappy with the IDP?

If a young person or parent/carer is unhappy about the school or college decision, they can ask that the local authority (LA) reconsider the decision made based on the following:

• Whether the child or young person has ALN.

• Requesting that an IDP is reviewed by the LA.

• That the LA considers taking over a school or FEI IDP.

• Reconsidering a school’s decision to cease to maintain an IDP.