Very few children will need a statutory assessment. Most special educational needs (SEN) can be met through support in school at school action and school action plus (see supporting SEN) . There will be a small number of pupils whose needs are significant and exceptional. In Warrington this is less than 2% of all children.
If you or your child’s school/nursery think that your child’s needs are at this level, a request for statutory assessment can be made to the statutory assessment advisory group (STAG). Usually this request is made by the school/nursery but parents can also make a request by writing to the executive director of children and young people’s services. You will then be sent information about what to do next.
A statutory assessment is a detailed investigation to find out exactly what your child’s special educational needs are so that provision can be made to meet his/her needs.
To make the assessment, the local authority asks a number of professionals to give their views about your child. Advice is requested from your child’s school/nursery, an educational psychologist, a doctor, social care and anyone else the local authority thinks might have important information. You are also asked for advice - as you know your child the best, parental advice is very important. You will also be given the name of an SEN case worker who will be your contact for information and advice.
Once all the advice and comments have been collected, the provision and placement panel will look at whether the SEN criteria, agreed with schools, has been met. If it has, a statement of SEN for your child will be written. If your child’s needs do not meet the agreed criteria, you may receive a note in lieu of a statement.
Contact us:
Senior Statementing Officer
Children & Young People’s Service
Inclusion Team
1st Floor, New Town House
Buttermarket Street
Warrington, WA1 2NJ
Tel: 01925 442913
Email: rrao@warrington.gov.uk
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