SEN statutory assessment timeline in Northern Ireland explained

The six-week decision point

After a request or referral, the EA considers the information available and normally tells parents within six weeks whether it will carry out a statutory assessment.

What happens during assessment

If assessment proceeds, the EA gathers advice from the parent, school, educational psychology and other relevant professionals such as health or social services where appropriate. Parents can also identify other people whose views may help explain the child’s needs.

The current overall timeline

EA’s current SEND Plan states that the statutory-assessment process is a 26-week period from beginning to end unless an exception under the 2005 SEN Regulations applies. Families should use the live EA Connect timeline for case updates and keep copies of any messages about delay or exceptions.

Decision after assessment

After considering the evidence, the EA decides whether to issue a Statement of SEN. nidirect says the EA usually tells parents within 12 weeks of beginning the assessment whether it is going to write a statement.

If the timeline slips

Ask the Statutory Assessment and Review Service for a written update showing the current stage, what information is outstanding, whether an exception is being relied on and the expected next decision date.