Assessing a child for SEN
Not all children need to be formally assessed for special
educational needs (SEN). We will decide whether or not we feel your
child needs to be assessed, and will let you know what our decision
is.
If we decide to assess your child for SEN, then one of our
officers will start the assessment process by asking a number of
different people for their advice and opinions. This officer will
be your named officer and you can contact them
with any questions or worries you have about your child's
case. These are some of the people we will ask:
- teachers or staff at your child's school
- an educational psychologist
- a medical professional (usually a doctor, but may also include
speech or physical therapists)
- social services (who will only give
advice if they know your child)
- you
- your child
If you think there are other people whose opinion about your
child's needs would be valuable, you can suggest that we talk to
them too.
We will ask all of the people listed above to write about your
child's needs as they see them. They will explain how these needs
affect your child's ability to learn.
You will be told about any examinations and assessments your child
needs to have. You will be able to be there, although in some
circumstances the professionals may find it helpful to see your
child alone.
If our assessment shows us that your child's needs cannot be met
by their current school arrangement, we may then give your child a
statement of special educational needs.
Even if we do not give your child a statement, the assessment
process helps us and your child's school make better arrangements
to support your child.
If we decide not to assess your child for SEN
We will always tell you our reasons for not assessing your
child. Not having an assessment doesn't mean that we will not offer
your child any support. We will also give you information about
making an appeal against our decision.