Just been told that my child needs to be referred for an educational needs assessment

[Minniethemoocher]

I have just been told that my child needs to be referred for an educational needs assessment - suspected dyslexia plus possibly something else, don't know anything about the process, just looking for some advice really!

My DD is just turned 5.

[LIZS]

Depends what is suspected really. Are the school referring in which case can you ask to discuss it with the SENCO at the shcool first ? For Dyslexia probably an Educational psychologist would go through a series of tasks but 5 is very young for that. Otherwise it mught be a paediatrician doing a more general assessment looking for signs of dyspraxia,for example, or a specific learning, developmental or behavioural disorder upon which to refer.

[Minniethemoocher]

Hi Lizs, thanks for reply, yes the school are referring, and have told me that he SENCO will contact me, I don't know if she will do the assessment or anything about the process really, I just want the best for my daughter.

[LIZS]

Probably the SENCO is the first step , to give you an overview of the issues, what action the school can take internally (IEP and School Action) and discuss what type of referral for assessment may be appropriate at this stage.

[Minniethemoocher]

I am seeing the SENCO this week, I will let you know how it goes.