Where the council decides not to make a statement it must write to the parents telling them of the decision and the reasons for it. The council will tell you of your right of appeal to the SEN Tribunal against the decision and set out the time limits for appeal, the availability of the Parent Partnership Service and disagreement resolution services, and the fact that the parent's right of appeal cannot be affected by any disagreement procedure.
The decision not to issue a statement may be disappointing and be seen as a denial of additional resources. The council should ensure that the parents (and school) are aware of:
- The resources available within all maintained schools to meet special educational needs
- That the parents fully understand school-based provision for SEN
- That parents understand that there are monitoring and review arrangements in maintained schools which will ensure that their child's needs are met by the school, with external support if necessary, in an appropriate way.
First-tier tribunal (special educational needs and disability)
The contact details for the first-tier tribunal (special educational needs and disability) are:
First-tier tribunal (special educational needs and disability tribunal)
Mowden Hall
Staindrop Road
Darlington
DL3 9BG
Telephone Helpline: 0870 241 2555
Local Office Telephone Number: (01325) 391070
Fax Number: (01325) 391080
E-mail: tribunalqueries@sendist.gov.uk.
Website: www.sendist.gov.uk.
An information booklet, giving guidance on how to appeal is available from
the Tribunal Office at the above address or from the
Department for Education Publications.
Or Email: info@education.gsi.gov.uk or telephone number: 0870 000 2288.