Special Education Path
Northern Ireland · Statement refusal

EA assessed but will not make a Statement of SEN: next steps

If statutory assessment is completed but the EA decides not to make a Statement, get the decision and reasons in writing and check the mediation and SENDIST appeal information supplied with it.

Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 · Jurisdiction: Northern Ireland
Written & maintained bySpecial Education Path Editorial Team
Source standardOfficial and statutory sources
Information, not legal advice.

Northern Ireland has its own SEN framework and Statements of Special Educational Needs. England EHCP guidance does not apply.

Compare the decision with the evidence

Look at the needs identified, support required and whether ordinary school arrangements can reasonably meet them.

Write a focused response

Identify evidence the decision appears not to address and explain the provision you believe requires statutory coordination.

Protect the deadline

Do not let ongoing discussions cause you to miss an appeal deadline. SENDIST states that appeals generally must be made within two months of receiving the EA decision.

Official and authoritative sources

Education Authority — Special Educational Needs

Department of Justice — SENDIST

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