Frequently Asked Questions

Statements

What is a Statement?

A Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) is a six part legal document that sets out your child’s needs and all the special help he or she should have.
Part 1 gives details of your child: name, date of birth etcPart 2 details your child’s needsPart 3 describes the support required to meet those needsPart 4 gives the name of the school/setting your child will attendPart 5 details any non-educational needsPart 6 details of non-educational provision to meet needs identified in part 5

What happens once a Statement has been written for my child?

Before the Local Authority (LA) sends you a Final Statement for your child, they will send you a Proposed Statement. The LA will also send you a letter telling you how you can give your views on the proposed statement before it is finalised. This is the time when you will notify the LA formally of your preferred choice of school.

Can I choose my child’s school?

A school is not named in part 4 of the proposed statement. This gives you the opportunity to say which school you prefer. The LA must agree as long as they are satisfied that your preferred school is suitable for your child’s age, ability and special educational needs and that the education of the other children in the school will not be affected. The school named will appear on the final statement.

When will the LA make the final statement?

Usually the LA must make the final statement within 8 weeks of the proposed statement. If you have agreed with the proposed statement you will be sent a signed and final copy to keep. Your child’s school and those involved in the assessment process will also receive a copy.

What if I disagree with the final statement?

If you disagree with what is in the final statement you should first ask your the LA for an explanation. Parent Partnership may also be able to help you. If you are still not happy you have the right to appeal to the SEN Tribunal against
the contents of :
PART 2 - Details of all your child’s special educational needs.PART 3 - The help which the LA considers will meet your child’s needs.PART 4 - Where your child should go to school.

What is a Note in Lieu?

A Note in Lieu may be written in place of a statement for your child if the LA do not believe that a Statement is required. It is not a legal document. It will describe your child’s educational needs, the reasons a statement has not been written and suggestions about meeting your child’s needs. It will also describe your child’s other needs and how they will be supported. Copies of all the reports received will be sent to you with the Note in Lieu. Your permission will be sought for this to be distributed to your child’s school / setting.

If you think that the decision to issue a Note in Lieu is wrong, speak to your LA who will advise you of the most appropriate action. Parent Partnership may also be able to help you. You also have the right to appeal to the SEN Tribunal.