Getting the Most Out of Your appointment
Email this pageBefore an appointment, it can be helpful to make notes about your observations and any points you want to raise; it can be difficult to think of examples on the spot, so having bullet-point notes can make sure you get everything across that you want to. Sometimes the setting will be happy to bullet-point their observations for you too.
It is likely you will find it emotional talking about your child’s difficulties or receiving a diagnosis, and you may want to take someone with you – your partner or a close family friend, for example.
Think about whether you would like some time with the health professional without your child present. You can find out in advance whether there is someone available to look after your child in the waiting area for a few minutes.
You can take notes of key information, though usually you will be sent a letter with details of what was discussed.
Before you leave, check what will happen next and when the professional will write to you.
What happens following my child’s appointment?
Regardless of the service you have been referred to, there will likely be some assessment. Some examples include:
- consideration of the referral against the service criteria
- information gathering from family and professionals involved
- observations in school, clinic or at home
- diagnostic tools – such as questionnaires
- assessments carried out with your child
What Happens after my child’s assessment?
- Your child (and sometimes you) may be offered support or therapy from health services
- You may receive a diagnosis for your child. It is important to share this information with the education setting
You may feel emotional if your child gets a diagnosis and coming to terms with this may take some time; your child may also feel this way too and may deal with it differently to you.
You might find it helpful to explore national charities offering advice around specific conditions, or local support groups. You can visit the Essex Local Offer or the SNAP Directory for information on voluntary support groups, local events, parent workshops and respite services, and much more.
Designated Clinical Officers (DCO’s) are the point of contact for local authorities, schools and colleges seeking health advice on children and young people who may have SEN or disabilities. They can support schools with their duties under the ‘Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions’ guidance.
See also our section about Supporting Medical Needs section for information on Individual Healthcare Plans.
The SEND Code of Practice 2015 says:
“Schools have a notional SEN budget and many schools will commission services (such as speech and language therapy, pastoral care and counselling services) to support pupils…The school’s governing body must ensure that arrangements are in place in schools to support pupils at school with medical conditions and should ensure that school leaders consult health and social care professionals, pupils and parents to make sure that the needs of children with medical conditions are effectively supported.”
(3.66)
Colleges:
“…should ensure they have access to external specialist services and expertise. These can include, for example, educational psychologists, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), specialist teachers and support services, supported employment services and therapists.”
(7.23)
Our Who To Talk To section will give guidance on who to talk to at your child or young person’s educational setting if you have concerns.