Statutory assessment (Northern Ireland)
A close look at what help your child needs at school, done by the Education Authority in Northern Ireland. It can lead to a statement.
Applies in Northern Ireland
If school-level support is not enough, the Education Authority can carry out a statutory assessment of your child's special educational needs SEND SEND is England's word for children who need extra help to learn. The rest of the UK uses other words, and other rules. Read the full definition of SEND , drawing on specialist advice from education, health and other professionals. You can request one yourself in writing, and the school can too.
The assessment can lead to a statement of special educational needs Statement of special educational needs A statement was the legal document that set out a child's support in England before EHC plans. Statements were replaced from September 2014. In Northern Ireland statements are still used today. Read the full definition of Statement of special educational needs , which is the Northern Ireland document that sets out the support your child must get. Northern Ireland has its own timescales and they are longer than England's, so do not measure your wait against what English websites say. If the Education Authority refuses to assess, you have a right of appeal Appeal A formal challenge to the SEND Tribunal about a council's EHC decision. It is free to bring, and you do not need a lawyer. Read the full definition of Appeal .
Across the UK
- EHC needs assessment : In England the equivalent step is an EHC needs assessment, which can lead to an EHC plan rather than a statement.
Where this comes from
- Special educational needs assessments , nidirect. Checked 2026-08-14.
Your child doesn't need a diagnosis to get support
Start with a profile of your child. See what we find. Go from there.