Core Consultations
Core Consultations are a free service offered to Norfolk schools by Educational Psychology & Specialist Support (EPSS) alongside School and Community Teams, as part of the local offer of SEND support services.
Core Consultation Plus meetings are free, termly meetings (held virtually via Microsoft Teams) which are led by a Specialist Learning Support Teacher with an SEMH Practitioner and, if requested, an Autism Support Specialist, alongside members of the schools School and Community Team.
Core Consultations provide information and support in the following ways:
- Recommendations on interventions and strategies to support individual children and young people’s needs
- Support and professional challenge to ensure a graduated and collaborative approach in meeting children’s needs and removing barriers to inclusion
- Discussion of SEN issues and inclusive practice arising from pupil-focused conversations
- Signposting to other services as part of Norfolk’s Local Offer of support
Feedback from schools indicates a strengthening of schools’ knowledge of SEND approaches and confidence in addressing the needs of pupils following a Core Consultation.
Engagement with Core Consultations supports identification of, and early support for needs ahead of any application for an EHC needs assessment.
EPSS identification of children through Core Consultation also facilitates the statutory assessment process where this is needed, providing a record of discussion and advice.
Going forward, any school seeking to submit a request for EHCP will ideally have discussed the case in a CC.
Some comments from SENDCos and Head Teachers
“It was extremely helpful to have several experts on one call. The advice and support from experts on cognition and learning, autism and SEMH looking at aspects of the whole child was amazing.”
“A huge thank you to the professionals who attended the meeting. They have followed through with everything they promised or suggested.”
“It was most helpful to have the ability to share concerns and put forward ideas for better working practices.”
If you would like to so sign up for Core Consultation Meetings, please contact laura.mckenzie@norfolk.gov.uk ,and or, deborah.hayward2@norfolk.gov.uk and you will then be contacted by a Specialist Learning Support Teacher to set a date for an initial meeting.
For more information, contact catherine.golding@norfolk.gov.uk