Student Support File Review Checklist for Irish Schools
A step-by-step printable checklist guiding Irish primary and post-primary school teachers through the 6-8 week Student Support File review cycle. Covers pre-review preparation, SMART target evaluation, response to intervention assessment, consultation requirements, review meeting procedures, and SSF updates. Aligned with the Guidelines for Primary Schools (2024), NEPS Continuum of Support framework, and EPSEN Act 2004.
What's Included
- Pre-review preparation checklist (SSF readiness, data collection, evidence gathering)
- SMART target review section (status tracking for up to 3 targets)
- Response to intervention evaluation (effectiveness, engagement, barriers)
- Consultation and collaboration checklist (class teacher, parents, child's voice, SNA)
- Review meeting procedures (scheduling, outcome decisions, documentation)
- SSF update checklist (filing, next cycle planning, secure storage)
- Quick reference: NEPS 4-step problem-solving cycle
- Quick reference: 3 review outcomes (continue, escalate, close)
- Quick reference: SSF contents checklist
- Quick reference: key review timings (6-8 weeks, annually, EPSEN Act)
How to Use This Template
- 1Download and print the checklist (A4, double-sided for 2 pages)
- 2Fill in the student details, review cycle number, and support level at the top
- 3Begin with "Before the Review" to ensure all evidence is gathered
- 4Work through each SMART target, recording status and evidence
- 5Evaluate the overall response to intervention using Section 3
- 6Complete the consultation section before the review meeting
- 7Use Section 5 during or after the review meeting to record outcomes
- 8Update the Student Support File using Section 6 as a final check
- 9File the completed checklist in the Student Support File for audit trail
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Student Support File review?
A Student Support File (SSF) review is a collaborative evaluation of a child's progress against the SMART targets set in their Student Support Plan. It takes place every 6-8 weeks as part of the NEPS problem-solving cycle (Identify → Assess → Intervene → Review). The review determines whether targets have been met and what the next steps should be.
How often should reviews take place?
The NEPS Continuum of Support recommends review cycles of 6-8 weeks, with formal reviews at least twice per year aligned with school terms. The EPSEN Act 2004 (Section 11) requires review not less than once a year, but best practice is more frequent. At School Support Plus level, reviews may be more frequent.
Who should be involved in the review?
The review is usually organised by the Special Education Teacher (SET) and involves the class teacher, the child (using age-appropriate methods), and the parent/guardian. At School Support Plus level, the SNA and external professionals (e.g., psychologist, OT) may also be involved where appropriate.
What are the possible outcomes of a review?
There are three main outcomes: (1) Continue at the current support level with adjusted or new targets, (2) Escalate to the next level of the Continuum of Support if the child has not responded adequately after two or more review cycles (typically 12-16 weeks), or (3) Close or reduce support if targets have been fully met and the child can maintain progress with less intensive support.
What evidence should I have before a review?
You should have: the current Student Support Plan with SMART targets, progress monitoring data collected throughout the 6-8 week cycle (observations, checklists, tests, work samples), the Log of Actions (if SNA support is in place), baseline data for comparison, and any relevant professional reports or parent communication records.
How does this checklist relate to the NEPS problem-solving cycle?
This checklist covers Step 4 (Review) of the NEPS problem-solving cycle. The four steps are: Identify (gather information), Assess (clarify concerns), Intervene (implement support for 6-8 weeks), and Review (evaluate response and decide next steps). After the review, the cycle begins again with updated information.
Can parents request a review?
Yes. Under Section 11.4 of the EPSEN Act 2004, where a review has not occurred in the previous six months, parents may request the school principal to arrange one. The principal must respond in writing within two weeks. Parents can appeal to the NCSE Appeals Board if the request is refused.
Is this checklist free to use?
Yes, this checklist is completely free to download, print, and use in your school. It is provided by SENScribe to support Irish teachers with the Student Support File review process.
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