Education and learning

Assessing special educational needs

The LA has published detailed guidance to help schools identify what support it may be appropriate for them to provide at School Action and School Action Plus and to help them decide whether it is appropriate to start on the process that may lead to a statement. 

The guidance also includes a statement on the LA's SEN policy and explains the process leading up to a statutory assessment of need.

A moderating group, which includes Headteachers, educational psychologists and representatives from health and social services, assists the LA in deciding whether or not the statutory assessment process should begin.  There is an expectation that schools will have tried appropriate levels and types of support under School Action and School Action Plus before the more formal statutory assessment process will be considered.

Before a decision can be reached about whether a child requires special educational provision under a statement, a careful and detailed assessment is carried out by a team of professional staff from different services and parents are also closely consulted. The assessment looks at the child's educational, medical, nursing, social and other needs.

Contact Details

Contact name

Colin Pates or Florida Lyimo

Job title

Special Needs Team

Department

Children, Young People and Learners

Telephone

020 8760 5627/5481

Email

colin.pates@croydon.gov.uk