What can I do if I think my child needs a
 Statutory Assessment?

You have a right in law (Education Act 1996) to ask the Local Authority to assess your child's special educational needs at any time. It is advisable to discuss this with your son or daughter's school first, as they will be asked by the Local Authority to provide evidence of the action they have already taken to help your child. Once the Local Authority has received the request for statutory assessment, it has 6 weeks to decide whether or not to proceed. If they agree then the assessment will go ahead; if they disagree they will write to you and the school explaining why, and they will also tell you that you have the right to appeal against their decision.

The Department for Children Schools and Families have a booklet entitled "Special Educational Needs (SEN) - a guide for parents and carers" which should be sent to you when assessment has been requested. If you would like a copy of this, please request one by email. Or to download a leaflet Click here

Your request to the Local Authority should be made in writing to the Special Needs Manager for the area in which you live. An example of the type of letter you could write is given below:

If you would like to have more information about the assessment procedure, or how to appeal against the Local Authority's decision not to proceed with the statutory assessment, please contact:

The Parent Partnership Service, on 0118 937 3421 or
email: parent.partnership@reading.gov.uk

Download leaflets to help:
"Asking for a statutory assessment. A practical guide to parents’ legal rights"
What is a Statement?

Alternatively if you would like information from the Tribunal, you can contact them direct at:

SENDIST
SEN Appeals
Mowden Hall
Staindrop Road
Darlington
DL3 9BG
01325 392 555
or email: tribunalqueries@sendist.gsi.gov.uk

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