Statutory assessment
The purpose of the Statutory Assessment is to provide a thorough and comprehensive analysis of your child's learning difficulties and disabilities. The information gathered is used as a basis for the subsequent decisions regarding the type of educational provision required for your child and the most suitable school.
As parents, you can ask your LEA to carry out a statutory (Multi disciplinary) assessment. Your child's nursery or school can also request this.
When the LEA receives a request for a Statutory Assessment, they will:
write and tell you that they are considering whether to carry out an assessment and they will let you know their decision within six weeks
give you the name of the person at the LEA (named Officer) who you can contact, as well as telling you about the LEA's parent partnership service who will be able to help with independent advice and support
ask you to provide any evidence for them to consider and whether there is anyone else you would like them to talk to about your child
If the LEA decides not to assess, they must inform the child's parents and school to say why.
If you disagree with the LEA's decision you have a right of appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal - your LEA should tell you about this. You must appeal to the tribunal within 2 months of the date of the letter.
If the LEA decides to assess, they will have 10 weeks in which to make an assessment of needs. At the end of this period, the LEA will decide whether or not to make a Statement.
If the Local Education Authority considers the needs of your child to be complex enough to need a Statement, then reports are requested from a team which includes:
- You - the parents
- Your child's school or educational setting
- A doctor or the school medical officer
- An educational psychologist
- Any other professionals involved with your child
You may suggest any other people or organisations to be involved if you feel that their views may be helpful in the assessment of your child. You may also send the LEA any advice or opinions you have collected previously, if you feel it would be helpful.
Assessment Timescale
| Stage | Time Limit | Parental Action |
| LEA receives request and decides whether or not to carry out an assessment | 6 weeks | You have 29 days to say whether you want your child assessed |
| If the decision is made to carry out the assessment, information will be gathered and assessment completed | 10 weeks | You have six weeks to complete the parental advice form |
| If the LEA decides to produce a statement, they will first issue a proposed statement | 2 weeks | You have 15 days to comment and/or ask for a meeting |
| The LEA will produce a final Statement | 8 weeks | You have 2 months from the date of the letter sent with the Statement to appeal to SENDIST |
| Total Time | 26 weeks |
.Request more information.
