In this section, we'll summarise how you can check your child's statement of special educational needs.

If your Education and Library Board (ELB) decides to issue a statement to your child, you’ll first be sent a 'proposed statement'. You will also get copies of all the reports about your child provided by professionals during the statutory assessment process.
 
All statements have six parts, and each part should be checked carefully.

You have the right to 'make representation' to your ELB and to ask for a meeting if you are not happy that your child’s needs are accurately described or adequately provided for in their proposed statement

Part 1: biographical details of the child or young person

  • Check that all the details are accurate, especially your child's date of birth and the name(s) of person(s) with parental responsibility.


Part 2: description of special educational needs

  • Check the summary against the special needs identified in the reports, eg: 
    • have all your child's needs, as mentioned in reports, been referred to here?
    • have parental views and observations received fair coverage?
    • have any speech and language needs been referred to?


    Part 3: description of provision to meet needs

    • Has provision been made for all the needs identified in Part 2?
    • Is the provision 'specific and quantified'? Is it described clearly?
    • Speech and language therapy - if applicable - should be mentioned here in Part 3, as well as in Part 2.


    Part 4: details of school placement (left blank on proposed statements but agreed before final statements are issued)

    • Take advice, research school prospectuses, policies and so on. Visit a range of schools.
    • Parental preferences should be met unless the school that you prefer:
      • would be unsuitable for your child's needs, abilities, aptitudes, etc
      • would not be able to take your child without affecting the efficient education of other children
      • would not be an efficient use of the ELB's resources.


      Part 5: description of non-educational needs, eg mobility or medical needs

      • Your ELB is not legally obliged to provide for non-educational needs, but they will nonetheless be included in your child's statement and should be accurate.


      Part 6: provision for non-educational needs

      • This provision is designed to meet non-educational needs identified in Part 5, for example a taxi to take your child to school if they have mobility needs or are unable to travel in other ways. As mentioned above, your ELB is not legally obliged to make provision for non-educational needs.

      Further help

      If you would like any more information or advice about checking your child's statement, or any other aspect of special educational needs education, contact our Education Rights Service. Tel: 0808 800 4102 or email educationrightsni@nas.org.uk