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An assessment of special educational needs may be considered when a child has severe or complex educational needs for which additional resources, or alternative provision may be required to meet their needs.
The SEN Code of Practice (2001) [see link to DfES below] sets out guidance on policies and procedures aimed at enabling pupils with SEN to reach their full potential, to be included fully in their school communities and make a successful transition to adulthood. For the vast majority of children their mainstream setting will meet all their special educational needs. Some children will require additional help from SEN services or other agencies external to the school. A very small minority of children will have SEN of a severity or complexity that requires the Education Service to determine and arrange the special educational provision their learning difficulties call for.
If you think your child may have SEN you should first speak to your child’s class teacher or the school SENCO. They will consider with you how your child can be helped in class. This is called School Action.
If, after time, you and the school feel that your child requires additional help the school can seek advice and support from external professionals or agencies, for example, the Educational Psychology Service or the Behaviour Support Service. The school may also provide your child with some additional support either on their own or with a small group of children.
The school will work with you to produce an Individual Education Plan/Learning Support Plan for your child. This will consider your child’s strengths and areas that need development. Targets will be set and reviewed regularly.
If, after time, you think your child’s needs are not being met and they are not making adequate progress you and/or the school may apply to the SEN Service for a Statutory Assessment.
Eligibility
The SEN Code of Practice sets out the general principles and procedure that Local Authorities have to follow when considering and/or undertaking a statutory assessment. Enfield Education Service has detailed criteria, which are considered by the SEN Panel if a request for statutory assessment is made.
Required Customer Information
If parents are making the request they should supply relevant information about their child’s needs and the action already taken to meet those needs
The Authority will ask the child’s school to provide additional information so that a full consideration of the request can be made.
Service Level Agreement and Turnaround
The Authority must make a decision whether or not to assess within 6 weeks of receipt of the request. If parents do not agree with the Authority’s decision they can appeal to the SEN & Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) see link opposite.
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