Advice and guidance on the SEN process
We understand that not all parents feel the need to speak to us directly, and would prefer to find out as much as they can themselves about SEN and what it might mean for your child. The following advice and guidance notes may help if your child has SEN or you suspect that they do.
[Note: You will be directed to the Advisory Centre for Education website for certain information below]
School based support - Identifying SEN
Early education settings and schools place great importance on identifying SEN early so they can help children as quickly as possible. The school must tell you when they first start giving extra or different help to your child. This may include the following:
- Early Years Action/Action Plus guidance.
- School Action/Action Plus guidance.
- Individual Education Plan guidance.
Statutory Assessment
In a small number of cases, the local authority may carry out a Statutory Assessment. You can request this assessment if you or the school still feel that your child is still not making enough progress as other children the same age.
Statements
Depending on the outcome of the assessment, you will receive a proposed statement, followed by a final statement of SEN, which will detail the extra help that your child will receive. Or, you will receive a Note in Lieu if the authority feels that your child's needs can be met without a statement.
- Proposed Statement of SEN guidance.
- Statement of SEN guidance.
- Note in Lieu guidance.
- Annual reviews of Statements.
Questions to ask
Things to think about in preparation for meetings, choosing schools or moving schools.