If your child has Special Educational Needs that have continued despite the extra efforts made by the school they will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) drawn up by the class teacher and the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). You will be involved and fully informed. An IEP is to help you and the school identify your child's needs, target areas of difficulty, agree steps that may be taken to support their learning and decide a review date.

As a minimum, an Individual Education Plan should be written and contain reference to:

a) the nature of your child's learning difficulties

b) target/objectives to be achieved over a given time

c) organisation of teaching support

d) additional appropriate teacher materials and equipment

e) recommendations to subject teachers and other staff

f) monitoring and assessment arrangements

g) contribution of yourself and your child

h) any advice received through the school doctor

i) review arrangements and date

Such an IEP should be drawn up after consultation with all relevant staff, you and your child. You should have a copy of the Individual Education Plan, you will then be able to give additional help at home, working along similar lines to the work done at school, borrowing suitable books from the library, watching television programmes together etc.

At School Action Plus when there is an outside supporting service providing advice, then the Individual Education Plan should incorporate that advice and any recommendations which it contains. The Individual Education Plan should also refer to how to make the curriculum accessible to your child through differentiation, homework, resources, teaching and pastoral/tutor support. This may include elements of a programme of study below your child's present Key Stage.

The IEP should also contain exploration of the benefits of and where practicable, access for your child to appropriate technology.

Consideration should be given to the pastoral needs of your child incorporating any appropriate advice to meet social, emotional or behavioural requirements.

The Education Authority provides advice and guidance to schools regarding what arrangements should be made during School Action and School Action Plus.

Remember the Individual Education Plan is in place to help your child achieve their very best. You are a main partner in your child's education, use the IEP to help you to help your child. Discuss any concerns you have with the school, you are working with the same aims.