If you think your child needs additional help

There's support for parents who have just found out their child has a special educational need or disability. 

You may receive a specific diagnosis or learn that your child has an additional need or developmental delay. You may also never receive a specific diagnosis at all.  

Some children have their additional needs identified during early childhood, while some can receive a diagnosis much later. 

One of the biggest challenges is coming to terms with the fact that your child’s future may be different from the way you imagined it. 

You may find it helpful to talk to:

• healthcare workers 
• local or national organisations 
• support groups for parents of children or young people with SEND 
• close friends and family 

We have services that are trained to support parents after receiving a diagnosis. For support or advice, contact SENDIASS on 020 8921 8402. 

You can also read guides on NHS about: 

• social care and support  
• support for children with learning disabilities 

If your child needs additional support

If you are already receiving support for your child but still need more help, you can ask for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).  

An EHCP can help if your child: 

• has high support needs 
• has a life-long disability 
• is not making progress with the support available in mainstream schools