If it is found that a child is not making adequate progress, or if a child’s special educational needs cannot be met under School Action, then specialists may be consulted and new teaching strategies developed.

Extra intervention under School Action Plus can be made if, despite receiving an individualised programme, a child:

• continues to make little or no progress in specific areas over a long period;
  
  

• continues working at National Curriculum levels substantially below that expected of children of a similar age;
  
  
• continues to have difficulty in developing literacy and mathematics skills;
  
  
• has emotional or behavioural difficulties, which substantially interfere with the child’s own learning or that of the class group, despite having an individualised behaviour management programme;
  
  
• has sensory or physical needs, and requires additional specialist equipment or regular advice or visits by a specialist service;
  
  
• has ongoing communication or interaction difficulties that impede the development of social relationships and cause substantial barriers to learning;

It may be necessary to have an educational psychologist provide a specialist assessment of a child’s needs.

A new Individual Education Plan (IEP) is prepared, with new strategies for supporting progress. This is reviewed on a regular basis.

For children under school age, in early education settings, intervention takes the form of Early Years Action Plus.