County Special Education Team
Statutory Assessments and Statements of Special Educational Needs
a guide for parents/carers
www.parentpartnershipdevon.org.uk
What is Statutory Assessment?
A Statutory Assessment is a careful study of professional information which has been gathered to find out what your child's special educational needs are and what special help he or she should have. It helps the education authority decide what is best for your child at school or pre-school.
The people who make contributions to the assessment are:
- you (a leaflet on parent's written contribution to Statutory Assessment is available),
- your child, if old enough,
- your child's teacher,
- an educational psychologist
- a paediatrician/doctor
- any others who have already been helping your child, eg. a social worker, an advisory teacher, a speech therapist, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist or health visitor.
All these people write reports and look at your child's needs from different angles. When the reports are put together, including your own written contribution as well as your child's views, they give a full picture of your child's strengths and weaknesses. The education authority uses the reports to make an assessment of your child's special educational needs.
When may a Statutory Assessment be needed?
After a child's needs have been provided for under School Action and/or School Action Plus and this has not been sufficient. Or if a child's needs change dramatically, for example for health or social reasons. (A leaflet outlining School Action and School Action Plus are is available.)
Can I ask for a Statutory Assessment for my child?
Yes. You can ask simply by writing to the education authority. No official forms are required. If you would like help with your letter, please contact the Parent Partnership Development worker for your area.
Who else can ask for a Statutory Assessment?
The school or pre-school can ask for one.
What is a Written Contribution?
It is your opportunity to write about your child. There is a leaflet to help you with this if required, it is called The Parents Written Contribution to the Statutory Assessment, which will explain this in more detail.
What is a Statement of Special Educational Needs?
The Statement is a legal document which the education authority and your child's school must follow. It identifies the help that a child is to be given to meet his or her special educational needs. It sets out your child's needs and the special help he or she will get.
It is in six parts:
- important details about your child,
- details of all your child's special educational needs,
- the help which the education authority considers will meet your child's needs,
- where your child should go to school,
- your child's other needs apart from education,
- how these non-educational needs will be supported
When you receive the Draft/Proposed Statement, you will be invited to have a Named Person.
What is a Named Person?
If the education authority decides to make a statement of special educational needs for your child, you will be asked if you would like to name a person who can help you to express your views and offer you support. If you wish, you can choose one of our Special Partners or anyone else you would like to be your Named Person.
What happens when I receive the Proposed Statement?
You will be sent a Proposed Statement along with all the reports. If you agree with what is said, you sign the form and return it to the education authority within 15 days. If you don't return it in this time the authority will assume you are in agreement. Alternatively you can request more time.
What happens next?
If you agree with the Proposed Statement you will be sent a signed and final copy to keep. Your child's school will also receive a copy.
What if I do not agree with the Proposed Statement?
You can discuss your concerns with the Named Officer or ask for help from your Parent Partnership Development Worker or Special Partner/Named Person. If issues are not resolved you can have access to the Disagreement Resolution Service. A leaflet explaining this can be obtained.
A Named Officer
Is a person from the education authority who knows about your child's assessment and who can talk to you about it. You will be told who your Named Officer is when you first hear that your child is going to be assessed.
Can changes be made to the Statement?
Yes. Your child may:
- develop other educational needs,
- move to a different school,
- move from one education authority to another,
The Annual Review is where changes to the Statement may be considered, but a review can be held sooner to take account of a change in circumstance.
What happens after a Statement is made?
The advise on the Statement will be followed and reviewed each year. This is called the Annual Review.
Will I be asked to attend the Annual Review meeting?
Yes. You will be asked for your views before the meeting. This is so that everyone involved can see each other's reports. At the Annual Review you can ask to see your child's progress records. Your Special Partner/Named Person can go with you to the Annual Review meeting if you wish. (There is a leaflet that explains the Annual review.)
How long does a Statement last?
As long as your child needs it, or until he or she leaves school.
Can I have a say in the choice of school my child will go to?
The Code of Practice says that children should go to their local school if it is suitable for their age, ability and educational needs. Devon County supports an inclusion policy and most children are educated in their local mainstream school. If you think your child would require a special school, you should talk to your Named Officer and/or discuss it with the Parent Partnership Service.
What happens if a Statement is not made?
A Note in Lieu may be written instead. This gives:
- a description of your child's special educational needs,
- the reasons for not writing a statement and suggestions about meeting your child's special educational needs,
- a description of other needs and how they are to be supported.
Copies of all the reports will be sent to you with the Note in Lieu.
Is there help to plan for Further Education and beyond?
Yes. the first review after your child's 14th birthday is called a Transitional Annual Review. The Careers Service may be involved. You, your son or daughter and his or her teachers will be asked to help draw up a plan which will work towards college and adult life.
To obtain the other leaflets referred to contact:
your local Parent Partnership Development Worker
- East Devon 01626 354 128
- Exeter 01626 364128
- Mid Devon 01566 784 986
- North Devon 01566 784 986
- South Hams/West Devon 01752 872799
- Teignbridge 01803 527849
or
your local DISCplus Information Co-ordinator
or
The County Special Education Team
1, Capital Court, Moor Lane, Exeter, EX27LW
01392 383913
Timetable for the education authority to assess and decide on making a Statement
| education authority to consider whether to assess | usually 6 weeks | |
| education authority to start the assessment | collecting all reports, 10 weeks | |
| education authority to decide whether to make a Statement | after considering reports, 2 weeks | |
| if NO | if YES | |
| education authority writes to parents explaining their decision | education authority sends proposed Statement to parents | discussion between parents and education authority if required, 8 weeks |
| final statement agreed | ||
| annual review | 12 months after statement or last annual review |
For further information on Statements you can send for the SEN Code of Practice
DfES Publications
PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annestey, Nottingham, NG15 0DJ
0845 602260
