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I think my child might need some help at nursery, school or post 16

A female teacher sat helping two secondary school boys in a classroom doing their work.

Every child is unique. They all learn and develop in different ways.

We understand that it can be difficult to know where to turn if your child is struggling at nursery or school. Or, if he or she is doing things differently than others in their class. Don't worry: you are not alone.

Some children may find it difficult to:

  • read, write, work with numbers, or understand information
  • communicate or understand others
  • make friends or connect with adults
  • cope with certain sounds, sights, or textures
  • manage emotions, anxiety, or behaviour
  • follow rules and routines
  • move around, balance, or coordinate physically.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to guide you to the right support at the right time.

Who to talk to first

Explore the support available if you are worried about your child's development. Not sure where to begin? Take our simple quiz to see what to do next.

Take our who to talk to first quiz

Recommended steps to take before considering an EHC needs assessment

If you feel that your child needs extra help, we recommend following these steps:

1. Speak to a professional in the education setting

The first step is to talk to a professional who knows your child. This can be your child's teacher, key person, or special educational needs coordinator (SENCO). Share your concerns and ask what support can be put in place. This might include extra help with:

  • reading
  • writing
  • communication
  • social, emotional, and mental health
  • physical disabilities.

They will let you know any potential support that can be put in place based on your child or young person's needs. Remember they're here for you and your child.

After speaking to the education setting, you can also find out support options that are available for your child at nursery, school, sixth form or college:

2. Set up a meeting with the education setting to decide support to be given

Once you’ve spoken to the education setting and determined what support is available, arrange a follow-up meeting to agree what happens next. Ask for this to be put in writing and set a future meeting date to check on any progress of the support agreed.

Find out more about this meeting

3. Review the support given

Once your child or young person gets support, they will have regular reviews. This process should be kept open and transparent to you, and your views will be taken into account. If you have any concerns about their progress, you should contact the SENCO.

If there's no progress with the support given

Request an education, health and care needs assessment

If your child or young person is not making the expected progress despite support, ask your education setting for an education, health and care needs assessment. This is a process to find out whether your child needs an EHC plan.

Only a small number of children need an EHC plan. It’s important to explore all other support options first.

An education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment may be appropriate only if:

  • your child’s needs cannot be met through the support already in place
  • they’re not making expected progress, even with significant support.

Who can request an EHC needs assessment

  • Your child’s school or setting can make the request on your behalf.
  • You, as a parent or carer, can request one directly.
  • Young people aged 16 or over can also request an assessment for themselves.

If you need confidential and impartial advice before requesting an assessment, contact Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK).

Learn more about EHC plans and how you can request a needs assessment.