How to write a request for statutory assessment

outrageous_monkey

Hi all

I have a 10 yr old diagnosed 12 months ago with Aspergers Syndrome. I've had countless meetings within school for the past 12 months, the last being where I was adamant that the LEA did a full statutoray assessment for special educational needs (statment) to which the Ed. Psych. who was at the same meeting said she would..........however, only a bit part assessment was made.

I am sick to the back teeth as what I requested has not taken place. I wondered if anyone had any idea how to write or what to write when asking for a full assessment?? I did have a dummy letter once, but for the life of me I cant find it:mad:

Many thanks

OM

Savvy_Sue

I don't, but IPSEA will. Also the National Autistic Society have good links for Asperger's.

needaspirin

I would write a straightforward letter asking why the LEA has not complied with the law in making a decision within six weeks. Or if it was already decided to carry out the assessment it was not done so within the required ten weeks.

Info below:


Parents can request an assessment or, if the child already has a statement, they can ask for a reassessment. In the case of children under two, the LEA must comply with the parents' request. Assessment of children under two need not follow the same statutory procedures which apply to assessment of older children.

For children of two and over, the LEA must comply with a parental request unless an assessment has been made within the previous six months, or unless the LEA considers an assessment is not necessary.

If a parent or school requests a statutory assessment, the LEA must decide within six weeks of receiving the request whether to carry out such an assessment.

Carrying out the statutory assessment should take no longer than ten weeks. This period begins when the LEA makes its decision to assess and ends when it decides whether or not to make a statement.

There is no requirement for parents to provide reasons or evidence, but if they do so it will help the LEA to make the right decision about whether an assessment is necessary.