The SEND Journey, step by step.
Twelve clear steps from "something doesn't feel right" to EHCPs, DLA, appeals and transitions. Use it as a checklist — most families won't need every step, and that's OK.
- Read the autism overviewStep 1 of 12
Notice the concerns
Write down what you're seeing — sleep, eating, sensory reactions, language, friendships, school refusal, meltdowns. You don't need a diagnosis to start asking for help.
- Download trackersStep 2 of 12
Keep a diary & evidence
Date-stamped notes, photos, school emails and a meltdown/sleep tracker. This becomes the spine of every DLA, EHCP and tribunal case later.
- Open parent scriptsStep 3 of 12
Speak to school or nursery
Ask to meet the SENCo. Take your evidence and a short list of worries. Ask: "What is being put in place? What's the plan?"
- Read the school guidesStep 4 of 12
Ask for SEN Support
SEN Support is the legal first stage in schools. It does not need an EHCP. Ask for the graduated approach: Assess · Plan · Do · Review.
- Open templatesStep 5 of 12
Ask for an IEP / support plan
A written plan with named targets, who does what, and when it's reviewed. A one-page profile or pupil passport is often more useful day-to-day.
- See EHCP guideStep 6 of 12
Request assessments
Speech & language, OT, paediatrics, educational psychology. You can ask the GP and the school SENCo. Keep copies of every referral.
- Open DLA guideStep 7 of 12
Apply for DLA if extra care is needed
Disability Living Allowance is for under-16s who need much more looking-after, supervision or mobility help than other children the same age.
- Open EHCP guideStep 8 of 12
Request an EHC Needs Assessment
When SEN Support isn't enough, you (or the school) can ask the local authority for a statutory EHC Needs Assessment. They have strict legal timeframes.
- Open EHCP templatesStep 9 of 12
Check the draft EHCP
Sections B (needs), F (provision) and I (school) are the legally enforceable parts. Make sure provision is specific, quantified and named.
- Read the appeal guideStep 10 of 12
Appeal or complain if needed
Refusal to assess, refusal to issue, wrong provision, wrong school — all can be challenged via mediation, complaints and the SEND Tribunal.
- Open review packStep 11 of 12
Review support every term
Termly check-ins at SEN Support level, annual reviews if you have an EHCP, and phase transfer reviews before each new school stage.
- Explore transition toolsStep 12 of 12
Prepare for transitions
Nursery → primary, primary → secondary, Year 9 EHCP transition planning, Year 11 to college / supported internship / employment. Start early.
Not sure which step you're on?
Explore the Knowledge Hub or grab a free template — most parents start there.
Information only — not legal advice. Sources: GOV.UK SEND Code of Practice (0–25), IPSEA, Contact, Scope, NHS. Last reviewed June 2026.