The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
Who deals with the statutory assessment and statementing process in Slough?
This process is carried out by the Assessment and Review Team, based at the Town Hall. The team comprises the Team Leader, Senior Case Officer, three case officers and an administrative assistant. The team is responsible for carrying out the statutory assessment process where this is agreed following a request from parents or carers or the educational setting, issuing the proposed and final statement or other documentation, arranging placement and dealing with all queries arising from the statement. We will try to arrange for a representative from the team to attend as many annual review meetings as possible, but particularly where there are known concerns or when a pupil is due to change to another school. The team is also responsible for considering all annual reviews when they are submitted and deal with any queries about provision following these.
We are a friendly team and believe that an important part of our role is to ensure that the assessment process is as straightforward as possible for parents or carers, as we know that this can be a very stressful and anxious time. We are always happy to talk to parents or carers on the telephone to explain the assessment process or to answer any questions or concerns about their child’s assessment, statement or educational placement. We are also very happy to meet with parents or carers to discuss concerns.
Please telephone the Assessment and Review Team on (01753) 787676 if you would like to discuss any aspect of the assessment process or have questions about statements of special educational needs.
Who contributes to a statutory assessment?
When the local authority (LA) decides to carry out a statutory assessment, it requests information from the child’s parents or carers or those having parental responsibility. It also seeks advice from the school or educational setting that the child attends, a designated Medical Officer, an Educational Psychologist and from the Social Care Department of the area in which the child lives. The medical advice submitted may include reports from a Speech and Language Therapist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or a specialist from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, if any of these services have been involved with the child. The LA may also seek advice from other professionals, such as an Attendance Officer. Parents or carers may submit their own advice from independent therapists, psychologists or other professionals if they wish to do so. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Assessment and Review Team on 01753 787676.
The Parent Partnership Service offers independent, confidential information and support. Telephone 01753 787693. Both services have leaflets available. The Department for Education and Science issues a booklet for parents or carers, Special Educational Needs (SEN) – Removing Barriers to Achievement. The SEN Code of Practice 2001 sets out the procedures that schools and LAs should follow in order to identify and meet special educational needs. Both of these publications are available free of charge from the DfES Publications Centre, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annersley, Nottingham, NG15 0DJ. Telephone: 0845 602 2260. E-mail: dfes@prolog.uk.com, or visit Teachernet's SEN pages
How long does it take to carry out an assessment of special educational needs?
An assessment of special educational needs should take no longer than 26 weeks from the time that the initial request is received by the local authority (LA). Each stage of the assessment is subject to strict timescales set out by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
Sometimes, the process takes longer than anticipated to complete. This is because professionals from several different agencies may be asked to contribute to the assessment and they must prioritise their work in accordance with the demands on their available resources. As a result, LAs are permitted to record exceptions to the timescales in certain circumstances where there is a delay in receiving advice due to circumstances outside their control.
Slough Borough Council makes every attempt to adhere to these timescales and to complete assessments within the prescribed limits. The Authority has a 100% record for completing assessments within the prescribed timescales where no exceptions have applied. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Assessment and Review Team on 01753 787676.
The Parent Partnership Service offers independent, confidential information and support. Telephone 01753 787693. Leaflets are available from both services. The Department for Education and Science issues a booklet for parents or carers, Special Educational Needs (SEN) – Removing Barriers to Achievement. The SEN Code of Practice 2001 sets out the procedures that schools and LAs should follow in order to identify and meet special educational needs. Both of these publications are available free of charge from the DfES Publications Centre, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annersley, Nottingham, NG15 0DJ. Telephone: 0845 602 2260. E-mail: dfes@prolog.uk.com or visit Teachernet's SEN pages
Who can give me information and support if my child has special educational needs?
There is an Education Helpdesk based at the Town Hall, which can put you in touch with the relevant department to answer your enquiry within Education and Children’s Services. You may wish to seek information and support from the Parent Partnership Service. This service offers independent and confidential advice to parents or carers of children who have special educational needs. The Parent Partnership Supporters can provide information on procedures, relevant legislation and support you at meetings if you wish. They can also provide information about other voluntary organisations that may be able to help you and give you details about conciliation services offered by the local authority. A translation service is available. The telephone number of the Education Helpdesk at the Town Hall is 01753 875700. The Parent Partnership can be contacted on 01753 787693.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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