How do I seek a SEND Diagnosis?

Support at Hebburn is individual to the child, not simply the diagnosis. However, diagnosis can be a vital step on the journey to you and your child understanding their specific needs. If you believe your child may be undiagnosed for a SEND, it may be useful to have a discussion with a teacher in school to see if their behaviours are reflected in school. You may wish to the make an appointment with your GP or the school and ask about a referral for diagnosis. If you’re seeking an ADHD/ ASD diagnosis you may wish to look at the Right to Choose pathway; talk to your child’s GP for more information.

Is an EHCP the same as a Learning Support Plan (LSP)?

No — an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is not the same as an LSP (Learning Support Plan) (sometimes also called an IEP – Individual Education Plan).

  • EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan):
    A legal document from the local authority for children or young people with significant, long-term special needs. It sets out the education, health, and care support they must receive.
  • LSP / IEP (Learning Support Plan):
    A school-based plan for pupils needing extra help but not at EHCP level. It lists short-term targets and support strategies, but it’s not legally binding.

What is an EHCP and can I apply for one?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is for children and young people (aged 0–25) who have significant and long-term special educational needs (SEN) that cannot be met through the usual support available in their school or college (known as SEN Support).

It’s a legal document used in England (under the Children and Families Act 2014) that sets out the support a child or young person (aged 0–25) with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) requires to meet their needs and achieve their goals.

In general, a child is likely to get an EHCP if:

  1. They have complex or severe needs that affect their ability to learn or make progress.
    This could include:

    • Significant learning difficulties (e.g. global developmental delay, severe dyslexia)
    • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) with substantial impact on education
    • Speech, language, or communication disorders
    • Physical disabilities that require specialist support or equipment
    • Sensory impairments (hearing or vision loss)
    • Social, emotional, or mental health (SEMH) needs that prevent access to learning
  2. They already receive a lot of support at SEN Support level (e.g. small group teaching, one-to-one help, adjustments to the curriculum) but it still isn’t enough.
  3. They need coordinated help from education, health, and/or social care services — for instance, ongoing therapy, medical input, or personal care during school hours.

 

Further advice on application here: Request an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment (parent / carer) – SEND Local Offer