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Leaflet 1 Individual education plans (IEPs)

A Parents’ Guide to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with special educational needs and disabilities

What is an individual education plan (IEP)?

An individual education plan (I.E.P.) is a written plan with short-term targets designed to support your child’s learning or behavioural needs. The IEP is a working document for all teaching staff.

When should my child have an IEP?

An I.E.P. will be written for any child with a statement or at School Action or School Action Plus.*

* Early Years Action or Early Years Action Plus for pre-school.

Why do parents need to be involved?

I.E.P’s are most effective when parents, teachers, teaching assistants (T.A) and children all work together.

What will the IEP say?

The IEP will say:

what your child’s learning or behavioural needs are;
what should be taught;
how it should be taught;
who will be taking the action – which member of staff;
how much support is being given;
if specialist materials, equipment or activities are needed;
what support parents can give;
any support for medical, social or emotional difficulties;
short-term targets set for, by or with your child;
how the progress is going to be checked;
the date of the next review when your child’s progress will be reviewed;
who will be taking part in the review or meeting to discuss progress.

How long will the IEP last?

The I.E.P. usually lasts for one term, after which it will be reviewed and new targets set, along with the date for the next review. You will be asked your views and told the outcome. If your child has an IEP, you should be involved in the review process.

Who will be invited to the review meeting?

You
The child, if appropriate
The class teacher
The teaching assistant, if one is involved
Any outside agencies which are involved e.g.health
The school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)

Questions parents might like to ask

How is progress monitored?
How much can I contribute to the drawing up of the IEP?
Have my child’s views and ideas been taken into account?
Are the targets reasonable and achievable for my child’s needs?
Are the targets relevant to my child’s needs?
Is there a reasonable time limit for the targets?
If my child does not reach the targets set, what happens then?
Who will be involved in my child’s review meetings?
How can I support my child and the school?
What might have happened at the review?

Everyone will discuss the present IEP, any progress made and whether the targets are still relevant.

If your child’s progress continues to cause concern, the school may need to take other action.

Any new targets or changes will be recorded in a new IEP.

We are based in the voluntary sector and are supported by the Family Welfare Association and funded by Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Parent Partnership Service
Suite 5 Clarendon Chambers
32 Clarendon Street
Nottingham NG1 5LN

Phone, fax or minicom: 0115 948 2888

Unit C
International Clothing Centre
Annesley Road
Hucknall
NG15 8AY

Phone, minicom: 0115 840 0081
Fax: 0115 840 0026

Email: enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk
Website: www.ppsnotts.org.uk