21.—(1) Where a board is of the opinion that a child in its area who is under the age of two years falls, or probably falls, within paragraph (2)—
(a)it may, with the consent of his parent, make an assessment of the child’s educational needs, and
(b)it shall make such an assessment at the request of his parent.
(2) A child falls within this paragraph if—
(a)he has special educational needs, and
(b)it is necessary for the board to determine the special educational provision which any learning difficulty he may have calls for.
(3) An assessment under this Article shall be made in such manner as the board considers appropriate.
(4) After making an assessment under this Article, the board—
(a)may make a statement of the child’s special educational needs, and
(b)may maintain that statement,
in such manner as it considers appropriate.