iv. if, as a result of a statutory assessment of a child of parents in the armed forces, the LEA conclude that the parents' frequent moves might significantly disrupt effective special educational provision for the child, the LEA should consider drawing up a statement

v.      if, as a result of a statutory assessment, the LEA conclude that a day or residential special  school placement might be necessary, the LEA should draw up a statement.

4:12. The decision as to whether to make a statement should be determined by the child's identifiable special educational needs in the context of arrangements for funding schools in the area.  LEAs should, of course, arrange for the provision specified in a child's statement to be made in a cost-effective manner, but that provision must be consistent with the child's assessed needs.  The efficient use of resources must be taken into account when an LEA is considering the placement of a child with a statement, once the parents have had an opportunity to express a preference - see paragraphs 4:40 - 4:5 9.


Assessment and emergency placements

4:13 Where a child arriving unexpectedly in the LEA exhibits such significant learning difficulties as would normally warrant a statement, the LEA should consult the parents and those immediately concerned, including the previous LEA, about the most appropriate placement.  The LEA should place the child where they consider the child's needs may most appropriately be met.  At the same time the LEA should initiate a statutory assessment.  On completion of the assessment, the LEA should consider whether a statement is necessary as well as the suitability of the placement.  If the child has been placed and will remain in a special school, a statement should always be made.

4:14. In exceptional cases it may be necessary to make an emergency placement for a child, for example where:

a. the child's medical circumstances have changed suddenly, causing a rapid and serious deterioration in the child's health or development

b. the parents, school, relevant professionals and the LEA agree that a sudden and serious deterioration in the child's behaviour make the child's current placement untenable or unsafe.

4:15 An emergency placement should be made only when the LEA, parents, school and any relevant professionals who will be involved in the statutory assessment are all agreed that the child's needs are such that action must be taken immediately and an emergency placement is the best way forward.

4:16 When an emergency placement is made, the LEA should immediately initiate a statutory assessment.  It is likely that the assessment will conclude that a statement should be made.  If, however, the assessment concludes that a statement is not necessary, the child's emergency placement should be reconsidered.  Decisions about how the child's needs should be best met in the longer term should not be prejudiced by the nature of the emergency placement.  Statements drawn up in these circumstances should include detailed objectives with clearly specified review arrangements to monitor the efficacy of the provision made for the child.  Whilst the LEA have a duty to review the statement on an annual basis, they may wish to use their powers to review more frequently and to ask for interim reports on the child's progress.