How do I get a child assessed for learning difficulties?

[WellErrr]

DD was on the community paed waiting list, but wasn’t given an appointment until after we had moved 8 hours away sadly, and referral waiting list times can’t be transferred.

I now just want to get her assessed privately, but no idea how. I don’t want to spend money on something that isn’t a reliable or official diagnosis.

Any help appreciated please! I’m in the North East.

Thank you

It depends what type of learning difficulties. I would get on the NHS waiting list in the mean time though. Have you asked the current or previous school senco?

How old is she ? If she's under 3 she's still under her health visitor who should be coming for regular checks and sending referrals off if there are any concerns. Likewise if she is 3+, have school queried this? Made referrals for assessment?

Why is it you want to get an official diagnosis? Not asking in a critising way but I know sometimes people seek a diagnosis as they think that will mean automatic support in school which sadly doesn’t turn out to be the case most of the time and then there is another time lag whilst you fight for the support. If she needs support in school I’d concentrate on that, look at IPSea website and consider applying for ehcp assessment.

What difficulties does she have? That'll make a difference re what assessment she needs.

In my area a health visitor if under 5 or over 5 gp would refer to a pediatrician if there were development concerns.... You can request yourself, also once at school they can also write to gp ... It would be the senco at the school..
Dc with speach delay i did via gp .. saw speachtherapy had assessment given advice discharged..
Later at school teacher picked up specific issues and we went via gp to pediatrician but school also involved ed psychology....

Talk to school/nursery but also gp and your council local offer website they should have the process on there..

She needs an official diagnosis so that I can have a better chance of getting support for her, and also for reasonable adjustments to be made in her sport.

She has balance and coordination problems, some emotional dysregulation, and is working approx 3 school years behind what she should be. It is becoming more pronounced as she gets older and she is being left behind quicker. I just feel for her so much ☹️

Have school put any support in place ? If she’s 3 years behind they should be doing stuff. Has any professionals seen her ? OT, SALT, EP ?

We have only recently moved to the school from another country, so the school have understandably wanted to see how much is gaps in learning, and how much is gaps in ability. I already know, but I suppose they need to follow their processes.

School should still put support in place based on need not diagnosis. Is she on a Sen plan? Or does she have a ehcp? Have you met with the senco?

with regards to the private appointment I would get her on the nhs wait list and in the mean time you could see a private paediatrician to discuss concerns.

If you have only just moved it will take a while to get things sorted.
I would start by asking school of they would write a support letter that you can take to the GP explaining what her difficulties are in school. Then go and see the GP to explain what things she is struggling with at home. They should be able to refer you on to whoever you need to assess her for whatever her difficulties are.

In the meantime time, the school can start to collect evidence to start the ehcp process of that is needed.