The Inclusion Panel is a multi-agency forum that supports schools in meeting the needs of vulnerable children and young people whose needs cannot be met through mainstream provision alone. Developed following recommendations from the Alternative Provision (AP) Review, the Panel aims to provide early intervention, coordinated support and access to appropriate services to help prevent suspension, permanent exclusion and placement breakdown. The Panel operates to provide schools with a single route to seek advice, support, intervention and, where appropriate, access to Alternative Provision.
The Inclusion Panel:
Acts as the referral point for system-funded Alternative Provision and other targeted support.
Reviews cases where concerns remain despite school-based interventions.
Brings together education, health, social care and other relevant professionals to consider individual needs.
Supports schools in preventing suspension and permanent exclusion.
Makes recommendations for support, intervention, reintegration and, where appropriate, Alternative Provision placements.
Promotes consistent and transparent decision-making across the borough.
The Panel is chaired by Tonnie Read, Assistant Director for Learning & Inclusion, and includes representatives from education, SEND, health, social care, CAMHS, youth justice, community safety and the Virtual School. Schools participating in the borough's AP arrangements will support the Panel through a rotating Headteacher Vice-Chair role.
The Panel meets fortnightly during term time.
The Inclusion Panel does not replace statutory processes and is NOT responsible for securing school/educational placements for:
Schools are encouraged to refer pupils where additional support, coordinated intervention or Alternative Provision may be required to achieve successful educational outcomes.
Key Contact: IPReferrals@walthamforest.gov.uk
You can find full details of the Inclusion Panel process below:
Inclusion Panel Date:
| Venue/Time:
| Date of Triage:
| *Deadline date for referral submission: *
|
Monday 14 September 2026
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 10 September 2026
| Monday 7 Sept 2026by 12:00pm
|
Monday 28 September 2026
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 24 September 2026
| Monday 21 Sept 2026by 12:00pm
|
Monday 12 October 2026
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 8 October 2026
| Monday 5 Oct 2026By 12:00pm
|
Monday 26 October 2026
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 22 October 2026
| Monday 19 October 2026 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 2 November 2026
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 29 October 2026
| Monday 26 October 2026 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 16 November 2026 | Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30 | Thursday 12 November 2026 | Monday 9 November 2026 by 12:00pm |
Monday 30 November 2026
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 26 November 2026
| Monday 23 November 2026 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 14 December 2026
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 10 December 2026
| Monday 7 December 2026 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 11 January 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 7 January 2027
| Monday 4 January 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 25 January 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 21 January 2027
| Monday 18 January 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 8 February 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 4 February 2027
| Monday 1 February 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 1 March 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 25 February 2027
| Monday 22 February 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 8 March 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 4 March 2027
| Monday 1 March 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 22 March 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 18 March 2027
| Monday 15 March 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 14 April 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 8 April 2027
| Monday 5 April 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 19 April 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 15 April 2027
| Monday 12 April 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Tuesday 4 May 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 29 April 2027
| Monday 26 April 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 17 May 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 13 May 2027
| Monday 10 May 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 7 June 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 27 May 2027
| Monday 24 May 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 21 June 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 17 June 2027
| Monday 14 June 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 5 July 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 1 July 2027
| Monday 28 June 2027 by 12:00pm
|
Monday 19 July 2027
| Microsoft Teams Meeting9:30 – 11:30
| Thursday 15 July 2027
| Monday 12 July 2027 by 12:00pm
|