According to the SEND Code of Practice, all local authorities must set up moderation groups to support transparency in decision-making. Transparency and equity are two values held in high regard by Somerset County Council. A multi-agency panel meets to consider statutory decisions as part of the Education Health and Care needs assessment and Annual Review processes.

SEND Statutory Panel makes decisions about the Education Health and Care needs assessment process, particularly whether to agree to continue with a request for an EHC needs assessment and, if agreed, whether to issue a plan or not. The panel also considers a number of requests to amend and EHCP following an annual review meeting.

Placement and Travel Panel makes decisions on placement allocations, travel expenses and any additional resources identified as part of the assessment process or subsequent annual review recommendations. When deciding on a particular educational setting to allocate to a child or young person, the panel must comply with parental preference unless:

• it would be unsuitable for the age, ability, aptitude or SEN of the child or young person, or
• the attendance of the child or young person at the setting would be incompatible with the efficient education of others, or the efficient use of resources. This applies both in the EHCP process, and for change of placement requests occurring post annual review.