Here at Integrated Treatment Services we?re often asked by parents for information regarding the SEN Statutory Assessment process. The official guidance on the process is available on the Direct Gov website http://www.direct.gov.uk where you can also find a copy of the ?Special Education Needs Code of Practice?, which is the document upon which the process is based.

Although the process can seem daunting at first, the ultimate aim is to help your child by gaining them access to the support that they need in the classroom. A child can need a Statement for a short time in order to give them a boost in a particular area, or some may keep a Statement with them for longer periods throughout their school life. Either way, a Statement develops with your child, through the use of specific goals and Individual Education Plans. The main point of contact in your school in relation to the Statement is likely to be the SENCO (Special Education Needs Co-ordinator).

Your local authority website is the best place to look for specific information on how to initially apply for an assessment of special education need in your area. It will typically involve the parent or legal guardian writing a letter requesting statutory assessment.

Within six weeks of receiving your request, the local authority will tell you whether they will carry out an assessment or not. You will receive confirmation by letter from the local authority, and if an assessment is set to go ahead then you will receive the name of your Officer who will deal with your case.

If an assessment goes ahead, then information will be sought from key individuals in your child?s life. Information will be taken from you as the legal guardian, as well as people such as the educational psychologist, speech therapist, doctor, teacher, and anybody else who can provide useful information in building up a complete picture of your child?s needs. Everyone has to submit their reports within 6 weeks.

This information will all then be assessed, and if a Statement is going to be put into place then you will hear within 12 weeks. You will receive a draft proposed Statement, on which you have the opportunity to comment and provide feedback on to your Officer.

If your local authority makes the decision not to write a Statement for your child, then they will write to you and explain all of the reasons why. You will hear the term ?note in lieu?, and this describes your child?s needs and how they can be met in the case of a Statement not being deemed necessary.

As private therapists working across the UK and Northern Ireland, Integrated Treatment Services have valuable experience in the process of applying for a Statement of Education Need. We are always happy to guide our clients through this process. We collaborate well with other key individuals involved in the process in line with our strong belief in the value of multidisciplinary working. Our speech therapists are able to work with your child in the setting most convenient for them; this may be the home, school, or a clinic setting.

If you think that your child, relative or friend may benefit from speech and language therapy or associated therapies, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry

Anna Mason, October 2012

Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services.

Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire. Services are also available in other parts of the U.K including London, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, Essex, Middlesex and the East Midlands. We are also able to offer services in Ireland, Dubai and India. Integrated Treatment Services specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists (speech therapy), but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Educational Psychologists and Arts Psychotherapists


Related Content