Children with Special Educational Needs

Frequently asked questions

What is a statement of special educational needs?

If we agree to issue a statement, we use all the reports to draw up a proposed statement. This outlines the child's special educational needs and sets out the arrangements that need to be made.

You may meet a local authority officer to make comments on the proposed statement. It can be helpful for the meeting to involve staff from the child's school. You can also ask to meet anyone who gave advice for the assessment. We will consider your views and might make some alterations.

We will not name a school when we write the proposed statement. We will ask you to give a preference for the school you would like your child to go to. We will send the papers to the Head Teacher of the school to say if the placement is suitable. Wherever possible, we will place a child in a mainstream school that you have asked for.

When we issue a final statement, it will name the school your child should go to. This may be their present school.

You may appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal if you disagree with the statement. Parents in Partnership can help decide what to do. Once we have finalised the statement, we will appoint a casework review officer.