If you think your child has special needs

If you feel your child has special education needs or disabilities, their school or nursery will assess them to see if they need any extra support.

You simply need to speak to the special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). If your child is not at a school or nursery and you feel they may have additional needs speak to your Health visitor or GP.

If you are worried about their development you may find information in the child development section

You can also get advice and support from the Hounslow information and support service SEND IASS

Pre school settings can access the early years SEN team to support the inclusion of children with additional needs including extra funding

Finding the best plan to support your child is done in four stages. 

#1 Assessment 

Trained school staff will carry out an analysis of the child’s needs.

• looking at other assessments carried out 
• previous progress
• attainment
• behaviour 

#2 Create a plan 

You’ll work with professionals to agree what’s the best support your child needs so they can reach their potential.

These may include professionals from outside the setting/school such as 

• Early years SEN advisors
• Educational psychology service
• sensory support and physical disability teachers

or Health professionals such as Occupational therapists amongst others 

This will then be reviewed regularly. 

#3 Do 

The school or setting will be responsible for working with your child on a daily basis, to make sure that the plan is being delivered.

#4 Review 

Your child’s progress will be evaluated to see how effective the support has been for them.

If needed, adjustments can be made to your child's plan. 

If you feel more needs to be done 

If the steps above are done and you still think that further support is needed, you can request an Education, Health and needs assessment.

It’s a detailed investigation into your child's special educational needs and to see what other specialist support they may need to be provided.

Find out more about Education, Health and Care assessment