Find the right
SEND support for your child

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It covers a broad range of learning difficulties and disabilities that affect a child's ability to learn. This includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities. In the UK, children with SEND are entitled to extra support in school through their Local Authority.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that describes a child's special educational needs and the support they require. To start the process, you can request an EHC needs assessment from your Local Authority. Schools, doctors, or other professionals can also make a request. The assessment involves gathering evidence from teachers, health professionals, and you as a parent. If the Local Authority agrees your child needs an EHCP, the whole process typically takes around 20 weeks.

Many parents turn to private assessments when NHS waiting lists are long — waits of 18 months to 3 years for autism or ADHD assessments are common in many areas. A private assessment can provide a faster diagnosis, which can be crucial for getting the right support in place. Private educational psychology assessments are also widely used to support EHCP applications, as they provide detailed, independent evidence of a child's needs.

Educational psychologists (EPs) specialise in how children learn and develop within educational settings. They assess learning difficulties, advise schools on support strategies, and write reports for EHCP applications. Clinical psychologists, on the other hand, focus on mental health and emotional wellbeing — they diagnose and treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma. For school-related concerns and EHCPs, an educational psychologist is usually the right choice.

Yes, SENDfinder is completely free for parents and families. You can search for providers, read reviews, and contact services without paying anything. We believe every family should be able to find the right support for their child, regardless of their budget. Providers can list their services for free too, with optional premium features for greater visibility.