"But we don't take minutes at SEN Panel meetings...."

[TheTimeTravellersWife]

If anyone is experiencing difficulties in obtaining information from their LA and being told that they "don't keep records/minutes from SEN Panel meetings" then maybe this government guidance to LAs on keeping records could be useful.
www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/docs/foi-section-46-code-of-practice.pdf

More info here <a class="break-all" href="http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-guidance-codes-practice.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/foi-guidance-codes-practice.htm

Hope that this is helpful!
PS Wow! Do I have exciting evenings,"Googling" for good practice in record keeping.....

Thank you!

In terms of googling good practice, we've all been there. Its part of our unpaid job, as well as regulating the Education system etc.

Did you see the Government proposal thread? There is a discussion on minutes at SEN panel meetings there and it will be put on the agenda for the brainstorming session as a potential LA FOI sweep that the media will possibly like on a quiet day, if we write the article for them........

Thanks Star, I will go and have a read. TBH, I am all "Green Papered" out at the moment, after writing my marathon submission, but I am just gearing up for the next battle....which I have no doubt will commence at the Annual Review meeting.

it's not really about the green paper any more tbh. It's descended...lol

We need to have minutes from EVERY meeting. This I have learned too late in the day. How else do you get a record of what is said and action points?

Bakelitebell - If I attend a meeting, I always try to take someone with me to take the minutes - I have learnt that this is essential the hard way!
If they are well dressed, carry a clipboard and look "professional" so much the better!
That way I can concentrate on getting my points across and know that someone has a record of the meeting.

Absolutley! I love Moondog's idea of a network of meeting supporters - happy to attend and support and show that we know stuff or at least we know what they know and what they're up to. Even if you're just silently sitting taking notes!

Yes, parent supporters would be so much better than the so-called support offered by Parent Partnership, who, in my LA at least, are far too cosy with the LA; maybe we could develop "Dave's" "Big Society" and replace Parent Partnership reps with parent reps!

Star, have meassged you via MN. Can you pass on to AT?