Does my child need a statement?

The law says that local authorities must carry out a statutory assessment if it seems likely that a child will need help. The assessment will involve professionals investigating your child’s difficulties and identifying the support that could help them. In most cases the local authority will then write up your child’s needs, the help they should receive and the school they will attend in a statement of special educational needs.

You have the right to ask for a statutory assessment

As a parent you have the right to ask your local authority to make a statutory assessment. The authority has six weeks to consider this. If your child is in nursery or school, they will speak to the teachers about your child’s learning difficulties.

If the local authority refuses to make a statutory assessment, you have the right to appeal. You may also appeal if your child’s school requests a statutory assessment for your child and is turned down.

When your child is less than two years old

If you ask for a statutory assessment before your child reaches the age of two, the local authority must go ahead and do this. However it can decide how and when to go about it. If your child is two or over, the local authority has to follow legal rules if it decides to make an assessment. The rules set out who the local authority must contact for advice about your child and the timetable for carrying out the assessment and drawing up a statement.

I delayed getting my youngest statemented because it wasn't properly explained to me what was involved and what it would mean. I thought it would be a negative for my son whereas it is a complete positive and the only way to ensure that your child’s rights are fully protected.

Parent

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