Special Educational Needs (SEN) – Statutory Assessment

An assessment of special educational needs (SEN) may be considered when a child has severe or complex educational needs that may need additional or different resources.  

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 that the SEN Panel considers when there is a request for statutory assessment.

Parents making the request should supply relevant information about their child's needs and the action already taken to meet those needs. We will ask the child's school to provide additional information so that a full consideration of the request can be made.  

A decision on whether to assess or not should be made within six weeks of receiving the request. Parents who do not agree with the decision can appeal to SEN and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST). For independent or free advice, parents can contact the local parent partnership scheme at Enfield Parents and Children.  

If it is decided there should be an assessment, it should be completed and parents informed of the outcome within 18 weeks from the request date.  The decision may be to issue a proposed Statement or a Note in Lieu of Statement.   

If parents do not agree with the decision, they can appeal to SENDIST. For independent or free advice, they can contact the local parent partnership scheme at Enfield Parents and Children.