SEND assessments: where to start

Begin with what you are noticing

Keep a short record of recurring symptoms you notice, any situations that are difficult, what happens before and after, and what seems to help. Include your child's strengths and interests too.

Patterns across home, school, and other settings can help professionals understand whether the next step is classroom support, a health review, a specific assessment, or a combination of them all.

• Learning or concentration
• Communication and interaction
• Sensory needs
• Emotional regulation
• Movement, coordination, hearing, or vision

Talk to the people who know your child

For a school-aged child, speak with the teacher and SENCO where possible. For those at childcare or nursery, speak with the room leader to understand their development and interactions with their environment and other children. Discuss what support has been tried, if any, and what difference it made. You can also speak with your GP or health visitor.

An Education, Health and Care needs assessment is a specific statutory process; it is not the name for every private or clinical assessment. Parents and young people can request one, but local authorities consider evidence about needs and support.

Choose the assessment, not just a label

When considering private support, ask what question an assessment is intended to answer, who will carry it out, and how the result will change support. A useful report should explain findings simply and provide practical recommendations.

Before paying privately, check whether the report will be accepted by your school, local authority, or any medical professional you expect to use it with. Ask about observations or questionnaires required, how feedback is delivered, timescales, and follow-up process.

• Assessor's professional qualification
• Information gathered from home and school
• Written report and feedback meeting
• Practical recommendations and review plan