Statement of Special Educational Needs

A Statement of Special Educational Needs will include:

Part 1: Introduction

• Name/date of birth/home address.
• Information on parental responsibility for the child/young person.

Part 2: Special Educational Needs 

• The Education Authority’s assessment of the child’s special educational needs, in terms of the child’s learning difficulties which call for special educational provision.

Part 3: Special Educational Provision Other Than Placement

• The objectives which the special educational provision for the child should aim to meet.
• Details of the special educational provision which the Education Authority considers appropriate to meet the child/young person’s need(s)
• Arrangements  to be made for monitoring progress.

Part 4: Placement

• The type of school the EA considers most appropriate (special or mainstream).
• Name of the school which parent(s) prefer(s).

or

• The provision other than at school which the EA considers appropriate

Part 5: Non-Educational Needs

• Any non-educational needs which the EA considers appropriate, in order for the child/young person to benefit properly from the special educational provision detailed in Part 3.

Part 6: Non-Educational Provision

• Any non-educational provision which the EA proposes to make available or which it is satisfied that will be made available by a Health and Social Services authority.
• The objectives for the provision.
• Arrangements for monitoring progress of the provision.

Appendix A: Parental Advice

Appendix B: Educational Advice

Appendix C: Medical Advice

Appendix D: Psychological Advice

Appendix E: Social Services Advice

Appendix F: Other Advice obtained by the EA

Some examples of extra provisions or supports determined by the EA may include:

• appropriate facilities,
• specific equipment,
• staffing arrangements to support your child,
• additional adult assistance, and/or
• specialist teaching support.

A child learns best when all partners are working together. Good communication and positive relationships between parents or carers, schools and the EA are vital. 

Involving children with SEND and their parents in decision making is a key objective of the SEN Code of Practice. Parents should also be involved in supporting and consolidation of learning/strategies, where appropriate.

If you don’t agree with the EA, it is important to keep the channels of communication open. 

For general advice you may wish to contact the SEN Helpdesk on 028 9598 5960, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

The Dispute Avoidance & Resolution Service (DARS) is also available in avoiding and resolving disagreements between parents and the Education Authority, regarding children with SEN.

The service provided by Global Mediation provides a forum for exploring differences, identifying points of agreement, and finding a way forward which is acceptable for all involved. You can telephone (028 9072 6060) or write to Global Mediation (55-59 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8FE).

For further information or if you have a comment or complaint to make see the EA’s Comments and Complaints Procedure.