(1)Where a local education authority are of the opinion that a child in their area who is under the age of two falls, or probably falls, within subsection (2)—
(a)they may, with the consent of his parent, make an assessment of the child’s educational needs, and
(b)they shall make such an assessment if requested to do so by his parent.
(2)A child falls within this subsection if—
(a)he has special educational needs, and
(b)it is necessary for the authority to determine the special educational provision which any learning difficulty he may have calls for.
(3)An assessment under this section shall be made in such manner as the authority consider appropriate.
(4)After making an assessment under this section, the authority—
(a)may make a statement of the child’s special educational needs, and
(b)may maintain that statement,
in such manner as they consider appropriate.