How to request an assessment

Most children's Special Educational Needs can be met by their school through additional support (called 'School Action or School Action Plus'.) If your child doesn't seem to be making progress with this support, you, your school or family can request the Local Authority (us) to carry out a Statutory Assessment of Special Educational Needs. You can make your request using our forms for requesting statements of Special Educational Needs.

What an assessment involves

A Statutory Assessment is a detailed examination of a child's Special Educational Needs (SEN.) It can take up to 6 months to complete. We will gather information from all professionals involved in supporting them, including parents and carers, an Educational Psychologist, a Community Paediatrician, and Social Services, if relevant. Children may also be asked about the difficulties they have and how they would like to be helped. At the end of the Assessment, if it's felt that a child has severe or complex SEN, we will draw up a document known as a 'Statement of Special Educational Need'. This will set out all their needs. If it's felt that a child's needs can be met at School Action Plus then they may not be given a Statement. We will give a reason for this decision.

After the assessment

If you have questions or concerns about the wording of a Statement, or the fact that one hasn't been given, then a meeting can be arranged with The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Service to discuss the matter. An SEN Officer will help to explain the decisions that have been made.

Support throughout the process

The Parent Partnership Service helps parents and carers to maintain good relationships with the Local Authority and schools It also provides support around issues to do with Special Educational Needs.