Statement of Educational Needs

Information, Support and Training for Parents and Carers

of Children with Special Educational Needs in Cornwall

Cornwall Parent Partnership Service

Independent Impartial Confidential Free

What is a Statement of Special Educational Needs?

A statement is a legal document that sets out your child’s needs and the special help he or she will get. It is in six parts:

Part 1 gives your own and your child’s name and address, your child’s date of birth, home language and religion. It also lists all the advice the Children and Young People and Families Service received as part of the assessment.

Part 2 gives details of your child’s special educational needs.

Part 3 identifies the special help the Children and Young People and Families Service considers will meet your child’s needs listed in part 2, what the long term aims are, the arrangements for reviewing your child’s progress and how the progress will be monitored.

Part 4 says where your child should go to school.

Part 5 describes any other needs your child may have apart from educational needs.

Part 6 explains how these other needs will be met.

Information in parts 2, 3 & 4 is legally binding. Any information in parts 5 & 6 is not.

Can I see the statement before it is finalised?

Yes. You will be sent a draft (proposed) statement along with the reports.

Can I choose my child’s school?

You have the right to say which state school you want your child to go to, either mainstream or special. This can be the school they already go to. The Children and Young People and Families Service must agree with your preference as long as:

The school you choose is suitable for your child’s age, ability, skills and SEN
Your child’s presence will not damage the education of other children already at the school; and
Placing your child in the school will be an efficient use of the Children and Young People and Families Service’s resources.

What do I do if I am happy with the statement?

If you agree with what is said, you sign the form and return it to the Children and Young People and Families Service within 15 days. Then you will be sent a signed and final copy to keep. Your child’s school will also receive a copy.

What if I don’t agree with the proposed statement?

You should first ask your Named Officer at the Children and Young People and Families Service for an explanation. You can also contact one of us at Cornwall Parent Partnership Service to ask for help to see whether a solution can be formed by informal discussions. They may also consider a referral to a Mediation service.

If you are still not happy, you have the right to appeal to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal against the contents of:

Part 2, the description of your child’s SEN
Part 3, the help to be given for your child’s SEN
Part 4, the type and name of the school your child should go to.

What happens after a statement has been made?

The statement comes into force as soon as the Children and Young People and Families Service make it. From that time the Children and Young People and Families Service must provide your child’s school with any extra resources that it needs. The school’s governors must do their best to ensure that your child gets the special educational help set out in the statement.

Statement of Educational Needs