Statutory deadline for issuing a statement has passed - what next?

[IAmTheGodOfTitsAndWine]

My son has ASD and we're going through the statutory assessment process. All along, the council have left everything until the last minute. I read up on the guidelines and where the council were supposed to allow ten weeks for information to be gathered and returned to them, in practise, they allowed a ridiculous five days.

The deadline for the end of the entire process was the 18th of June. I called the SEN team at the council today and it's the medical information that is holding everything up. Our paediatrician is brilliant and filled out all the medical forms there and then during our appointment. I'm going to chase it up with her now and see if she can fax over a copy.

I suppose what I'm asking is, what do I do now? The council clearly aren't bothered about meeting their legal obligation because they've let the deadline pass.

Hassle. Politely point out the deadline has passed.

Do you know if they are likely to name your preferred school or are you looking at a tribunal?

It's a mainstream school, so I can't see why they wouldn't name it. We already have a place and a good relationship with the Early Years manager and SEN team (I'm 'that' parent who insists on meetings ). It's the one-to-one support we want nailed down, even though we can access it via other funding, as the funding is likely to change.

The paediatrician has sent the information, so either the council are stalling or it hasn't been received for some reason.

Well at least you're not sitting there waiting with a child out of school, waiting for the statement.

In my experience the SEN depts are always like this; Always over deadline; Always making one key mistake. I have a feeling parents who don't hassle get an even slower experience