Does a child / young person have SEND? (EHCP Test)

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Many parents have concerns about their child's development. This may include their behaviour, speech or schoolwork which might not seem to compare to other children their age. You might be wondering if these signs mean that your child has special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

It is important to remember that not all children develop in the same way. Some will learn to speak, walk and read earlier than others. Most of the time, your concerns will just be a normal part of growing up.

However, it is important to raise any concerns you have with an education, health, or social care professional working with your child. They will be able to help with advice and information on available support. 

Who to Talk to First

If your child is aged 0-5 years:

• Health Visitor. Health visitors are nurses with additional qualifications for promoting health and wellbeing in young children and their families. Health visitors offer all parents free Health and Development Reviews at 8-12months and again at 2-2½ years. These reviews aim to identify and address any concerns, including early signs of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). You can also talk to a health visitor at any time before your child turns 5. Click here for more information on the health visiting service.

• Nursery staff. If your child attends nursery, you can talk to them about any concerns you have with your child's learning or development. They will let you know what support they can offer. If this support does not sufficiently resolve the issues, you can talk to the nursery SEND Coordinator (SENDCO). The SENDCO will work with you and other nursery staff to monitor your child's work, progress and behaviour to see if special educational need and/or disability support (SEND Support) may be required.

• Your child's GP. If you have concerns with your child's health or development you can talk to your child's GP. They should offer you advice and link you into support which can help meet your child's needs. They will also assess whether a medical problem might be contributing to the problems you are seeing. 

If your child is aged over 5 years:

• School teacher. Your child's school teacher is the best person to talk to if you are concerned with the way your child is progressing at school. They will discuss your chilld's needs with you and support they can put in place. If this extra support does not resolve your child's difficulties, you can talk to the school SEND Coordinator (SENDCO). The SENDCO will work with you and your child's teacher to monitor your child's work and behaviour and see if there is a need for special educational needs and/or disabilities support (SEND Support).  

• Your child's GP. If you have concerns with your child's health or development you can talk to your child's GP. They should offer you advice and link you into support which can help meet your child's needs. They will also assess whether a medical problem might be contributing to the problems you are seeing.

If you still do not know who to talk to about your concerns, you can contact the Local Authority's SEN Service by calling 020 7361 3311 or emailing [email protected].