London Borough of Croydon

You are here:

Special Educational Needs - Statement

If it is agreed that your child requires a statement of special educational need, the statutory process will lead to a document set out in six parts.

Part 1 - Introduction

  • the child's name and address and date of birth
  • the child's home language and religion
  • the names and address(es) of the child's parents

Part 2 - Special educational needs

Details of each and every one of the child's Special Educational Needs identified by the Local Authority (LA) during Statutory Assessment from the advice received and attached to the statement.

Part 3 - Special Educational Provision

Below is the Special Educational Provision which the LA consider necessary to meet a child's Special Educational Needs.

  • the objectives which the Special Educational Provision should aim to meet
  • the Special Educational Provision which the LA consider appropriate to meet the needs specified in Part 2 and to meet the specified objectives
  • the arrangements for monitoring progress in meeting those objectives, particularly for setting short-term targets for the child's progress on a regular basis.

Part 4 - Placement

The type and name of schoo where Special Educational Provision specified in Part 3 is to be made, or arranged away from the school.

Part 5 - Non-educational needs

All relevant non-educational needs of the child agreed between the Health Services or other agencies and the LA.

Part 6 - Non-educational provision

The relevant non-educational provision which will be made available to meet the non-educational needs of the child agreed between the Health Service and the LA, including the agreed arrangements for its provision.

If we decide that you child requires special educational needs, then you will first be sent a 'Proposed Statement'.  All sections will be completed except Part 4 (describing the type and name of the school) which is left blank.  You will receive a letter from the Department for Young People and Learners telling how you can give your views on teh Proposed Statement before a Final Statement is issued.  Details of LA mainstream and special schools in the area are sent to you with details of all non-maintained and independent schools approved by the Secretary of State for Education as suitable for children with special educational needs.

You have a right to express a preference for the LA maintained school you want your child to go to.  This may be the school that your child is already attending.

We will agree with your preference providing:

  • the school you choose is suitable for your child's age, ability and special educational needs
  • your child's attendance there will not affect the efficient education of other children already at the school
  • placing your child in the school will be an efficient use of resources

You may also make any representations about seeking a place at a non-maintained independent school outside the LA, although the Authority is not obliged to provide the funds. The LA normally tries to provide a place for children in one of its own schools. Deciding which school you would prefer you child to attend is a very important matter, and we will be happy to help you make the right decision by providing you with additional informaiton.

You may wish to visit schools in order to familiarise yourself with the provision made by the LA.  You will have 15 days to make any comments and express your preference for your child.  Usually the Local Authority will send you the final statement within eight weeks.  You will be informed of your right of appeal against the Authority's decision to an independent special needs tribunal if you do not agree with the final statement issued by the Authority.

An assessment should take no longer than six months.  (There are exceptions to this time limit eg when professional advice is received late.)

Parents or carers can help by replying quickly whenever the Local Authority contacts you.

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

How do you rate this information / service?

What does this rating mean?

Jump to section...