FAQs — Planning including IEPs

What is an IEP?

An Individualised Educational Programme (IEP) is a document that describes in detail the nature of your child’s additional support needs and the type of support they require. It will set out specific short-term and long-term aims and goals for your child and the methods that will be used to achieve them. It may include tasks that can be done at home to help your child’s progress. The IEP is not a legal document and there is no legal requirement to prepare one. However, it is good practice for schools to prepare them for certain children with additional support needs.

Please see Factsheet 2 — Planning children’s and young people’s learning.

Should I be consulted/informed about my child’s progress?

The IEP should be reviewed regularly, at least every school term, and you and your child should be involved in this process. The targets can be checked and if they have been reached, new ones can be set. If the targets have not been met, the targets and methods can be reviewed. You will also be able to discuss your child’s progress during meetings or informal chats with his or her teacher or other staff.

Please see Factsheet 2 — Planning children’s and young people’s learning.

My child doesn’t have a Co-ordinated Support Plan but has dyslexia. Should she have an IEP?

If your daughter’s education needs more detailed planning, such as changes to the curriculum, or if she needs support from several members of staff in school, she may benefit from an IEP. If you think your daughter needs an IEP, you could discuss it with the school.

Please see Factsheet 2 — Planning children’s and young people’s learning.