S140 Assessments
A key aim of the Connexions Service is to the provision of information, support and advice that is tailor-made to the individual's needs and circumstances.
With the overarching aim of removing barriers to learning and progression, the appropriate assessment of young people with learning difficulties is essential.
Where the issue of learning difficulties is not a concern, providers should use the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), as detailed on the Connexions-related CAF page.
For assessments of young people with learning difficulties, specific guidance, which will also be of interest to LSC staff concerned with funding education and training provision for young people with learning difficulties, is available below.
LAs must have regard to the following in delivering
Connexions:
From 1 April 2008 local authorities are responsible for the delivery
of Connexions services and for assessments of young people with learning
difficulties.
Section 140 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000 places statutory responsibility
on the Secretary of State (SoS) for the assessment of young people with
learning difficulties from the final year of compulsory education up to age 24
years, when they are undertaking or believed likely to undertake post-16
education or training or higher education. In his letter
of 25 March 2008 to DCSs the SoS has made arrangements with LAs to carry
out these assessments.
An assessment must be arranged for every young person with a
statement of SEN in Year 11 who is likely to be leaving school. In addition, an
assessment should be arranged for every young person with
learning difficulties who would benefit from one. Assessments
of young people with learning difficulties - Guidance to organisations
providing Connexions services provides support for those people within
Connexions who have responsibility for undertaking Section 140 assessments. The
guidance details the requirements; provides practical examples of the types of
assessment reports which are likely to comply with the Act, and gives examples
of cases which are unlikely to achieve compliance.
This page was last updated on 29 August 2008
