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An Individual Education Plan (IEP), sometimes called an Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP)is a special programme written by the school or nursery so that a child can work at improving their skills and knowledge at their own pace. It should only detail that which is different or additional from the curriculum that is in place for all children.

The Special Educational Needs Co- ordinator (SENCO) and other staff should talk to parents about the IEP they are developing for the child. Parents should be included in drawing up the plan and will be given a copy. They should also sign it to show they agree with it.

SMART

The IEP will set learning targets and it is important that they are:

• Specific - the targets are precise
• Measureable - it can be seen that the targets can be achieved
• Agreed by all parents, staff and child
• Realistic - can be achieved by the child
• Time related - the targets would be met in a set time.

What should the IEP include?

It should include the following:

• A description of the child's special needs
• The targets to be achieved
• The time for the targets to be achieved in
• The educational provision - staff involved, frequency of support, special programme, activities, materials
• Help from home
• Input from the pupil
• Review date
• Any other support - counselling, medical
• Monitoring and assessment arrangements.

Reading an IEP

An IEP should be a short document which is reviewed at least twice a year, ideally every term. When reading it, you need to think about whether:

• The targets match your child's needs
• The targets are suitable
• The targets are attainable.

If you are in doubt about anything, ask your child's class teacher, the SENCO or call the Parent Partnership Service using the details below.