Statutory Assessment
There will be a very small number of children (approximately 2% nationally) whose needs are so complex, life-long and severe that they would require the Local Authority to undertake a
Statutory Assessment.
One of the outcomes of such an assessment may be that Blackpool Council will arrange the provision for the child by issuing a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
At this point the Statutory Assessment Team becomes involved with the child, the child’s parents and the child’s school.
Statutory Assessment is the process through which the council formally assesses a child’s learning needs. We ask for specific advice from all of the key players in a child’s life: parents; school/setting; medical personnel; educational psychologist, and any other relevant agency.
At the end of the statutory assessment process, our Officers will reach a decision about issuing a Statement of Special Educational Needs or a Note in Lieu.
The statutory assessment period lasts ten weeks, after which we must inform parents whether we intend to issue a statement of special educational needs or a note in lieu.
A Note in Lieu is issued after a Statutory Assessment has taken place and when we believe that the child’s school can meet their needs without a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
The Note in Lieu will include:
- copies of reports
- description of the child’s Special Educational Needs
- why the statement was not issued
- guidance about what support could be helpful to the child at school
- a description of any non-educational needs your child has and any support which might be helpful.
Parents can ask for a statutory assessment under section 328 or 329 of the Education Act 1996 if you believe your child has special educational needs that are either not being met through school-based intervention, or are so substantial that a mainstream school could not meet them from within their own resources.
Usually a request for statutory assessment comes your child’s school where school staff, external specialists, educational psychologists, and parents have been working in partnership at School Action Plus.
It cannot be emphasised enough that maintaining a productive dialogue with your child’s school is very important.
If a decision is taken to proceed to Statutory Assessment, your child’s school, along with other key players will be asked to provide advice. It is important therefore that parents have spoken with all the school personnel who can help with SEN matters – this includes the class teacher; the special needs coordinator; the head teacher and if necessary the SEN governor of the school to make sure that appropriate provision is being made for your child.
However, if you have discussed your concerns with school and are dissatisfied with the action taken then you can make a request themselves.
A parental request for statutory assessment must be made in writing to:
Manager of Children with Additional Needs Service
Targeted Services Division
Children and Young People’s Department
Progress House
Clifton Road
Blackpool
FY4 4US
You should include the following information in your request:
- Name of child
- Date of birth
- School attended
- Name and address of parent(s)
- Contact telephone number
- Reasons for Request – this should include:
- What YOU feel your child’s needs are;
- What, in discussion with school, the SCHOOL feels your child’s needs are;
- The steps that school have taken and are taking to address your child’s needs and the provision they are making;
- The reasons you are not satisfied with this;
- Any further documentary evidence e.g. medical evidence/ what your child is like in the home setting.
From the date of receipt of the letter the council has 6 weeks to consider your request and decide whether to carry out a full statutory assessment.
You will get a letter acknowledging your request and outlining the process. We may also contact you to discuss your concerns by telephone or you may be invited to meet with a Senior Officer.
Related Frequently Asked Questions
Related Forms/Publications
Special Educational Needs - Assessment