The Statement of SEN

Naming provision and placement

A Statement sets out your child's needs and the provision required to meet them, and can name a specific school.

Your rights: Once a Statement is issued, the provision in it is legally enforceable by the Education Authority.

Common pitfall: A long gap between assessment and a finalised Statement is common — keep a paper trail of every chase-up.

Your voice: If the draft Statement doesn't reflect what you know about your child, raise it before it's finalised — once issued, changing it is a much bigger process.

• Check that provision described is specific and measurable, not vague

• Confirm the named school and ask what happens if it cannot meet the provision

• Diarise the annual review date as soon as the Statement is issued