Request a SEN Statutory Assessment in Northern Ireland
A parent can ask the Education Authority (EA) to consider carrying out a statutory assessment. A school or relevant professional can also make a referral. Since 12 January 2026, the EA statutory assessment request and referral process is available through EA Connect.
Northern Ireland has its own SEN framework. England EHCP, Wales IDP and Scotland CSP guidance do not apply here.
When statutory assessment may be needed
Statutory assessment is considered where a child may need provision beyond what can reasonably be met through school-based and external support. You do not have to wait for the school to make the request if you believe a statutory assessment is necessary.
What to include
- a short description of the child’s main educational needs
- support already tried at Stage 1 or Stage 2
- evidence of progress or lack of progress
- relevant professional reports
- attendance, communication, sensory or behaviour information where relevant
- your reasons for believing a statutory assessment is required
What happens after the request
The EA considers information from parents, the school and relevant professionals. Current EA guidance says parents are normally informed within six weeks whether the Authority will carry out a statutory assessment.
If the EA says no
The EA should give its reasons in writing. Parents can use the independent Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Service (DARS), and there can also be a right of appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST). Check the decision letter promptly because appeal time limits matter.
Common parent questions
Can a parent request a statutory assessment directly?
Yes. Parents can ask the Education Authority to consider a statutory assessment. The EA Connect process and current Education Authority instructions should be checked before submitting.
What evidence helps?
Describe the child’s needs and the impact on learning, support already tried, progress evidence and relevant reports. Explain why you believe statutory assessment may be necessary.
What if the Education Authority refuses?
Read the written decision and any appeal information promptly. Ask about independent advice, dispute resolution and whether an appeal to SENDIST is available in your circumstances.
Related guide
A practical request checklist
- Describe the difficulty accessing education, with specific examples rather than only a diagnosis.
- List school strategies and outside support already tried, and include review dates and progress evidence.
- Add relevant reports and the child's views in an accessible form.
- Explain why you believe a formal assessment of educational needs is required.
- Use the current parent route on the EA's official request page. Keep the submitted information, attachment list and acknowledgement.
- Record the response date and read any decision and appeal information promptly.
Suggested wording for your explanation
I am asking the Education Authority to consider a statutory assessment of [child's] special educational needs. The main difficulties accessing learning are [examples]. Support tried includes [support and dates], with [progress / remaining difficulties]. I believe statutory assessment may be required because [reasons]. I attach [evidence list]. Please confirm receipt and the next steps.
This outline helps organise your explanation; it does not replace the EA's application form. A request does not itself guarantee assessment or a statement. Continue discussing school support while the request is considered.
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are different systems
Northern Ireland requests go to the Education Authority. In the Republic of Ireland, begin with school support and the NCSE route as appropriate; a SENO is not the Northern Ireland assessment authority.
Compare assessment routes across the UK and Ireland. Current instructions and parent user guides: EA request for statutory assessment.
Official and authoritative sources
Department of Education NI — SEN Code of Practice
Education Authority — SEN Code of Practice and three stages
Education Authority — Special Educational Needs (SEN)
nidirect — Special educational needs
FAQ: parental request for statutory assessment in Northern Ireland
Can a parent request a statutory assessment directly?
Parents can request that the Education Authority (EA) consider a statutory assessment of their child's special educational needs. Explain the child's difficulties, support already provided and why it may be insufficient; ask the EA to confirm the current application route and next steps.
What evidence helps an EA statutory assessment request?
Include school support plans, examples of unmet needs, attendance or progress information, professional reports if available, and your child's views. A diagnosis is not the only way to describe educational needs.
What if the EA refuses to assess?
Request the written decision and information about review and appeal rights. See our refusal to assess guide and statutory assessment timeline. Northern Ireland's statutory assessment is not England's EHC needs assessment.
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