Service Description: Children with special educational needs have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children of the same age. These children may need extra or different help from that given to other children of the same age. An assessment of special educational needs (SEN) may be considered when a child has severe or complex educational needs for which additional resources, or alternative provision may be required to meet their needs. Once the assessment has been completed the child may be eligible for a special educational needs statement offered by the local authority. This sets out the special educational needs of the child and the special help they should have at school.
Also known as:- Assessment, SEN, SEN Admissions, Special Needs, Statement, Sure Start, Surestart
Answer: A statement is a legal document which describes all your child’s special educational needs and the special help they should receive. A statement is set out in 6 parts: Part 1 – Sets out your own and your child’s personal details e.g. address, date of birth, religion, etc. It also lists all the information received as part of the statutory assessment. Part 2 – Details your child’s special educational needs as identified during the assessment. Part 3 – Details the help your child should get to meet their needs as described in Part 2, long term aims, setting short-term targets, how progress will be monitored. Part 4 – Names the school your child is attending/will attend. Part 5 – Describes any non-educational needs your child may have which have been agreed between the LEA and the health service, social services etc e.g. medical needs Part 6 – Details of how your child will get help to meet their needs as described in Part 5 e.g. medical treatment and care.