ABSTRACT
Normally the decision to use external support will follow a Stage 2 review. However, strategic early intervention is a guiding principle of the Code and so it says that it may be necessary on occasions ‘following discussions about an initial concern between the SENCO, teachers and parents’ and after the SENCO has consulted the head teacher and ‘considers that early intensive action with external support is immediately necessary’. This will occur infrequently and will usually be because:
Stage 2 procedures and resources are perceived by the head teacher, SENCO and outside agency to be inadequate in meeting the child’s immediate needs;
failure to involve the outside agency would be detrimental to the child’s education or that of his or her peers;
failure to involve the outside agency would be detrimental to the child’s health or safety.
