Making a referral and the process

To access the Neurodevelopmental Pathway, families will need to collaborate with a professional who can act as the lead referrer for the Neurodevelopmental Referral process. We have designed the referral form to streamline the process and make it easier for children and families to access the pathway. The referral form process is divided into two parts: Part One - is for the parents or caregivers to complete, which captures details and insights into your child's needs at home, and Part Two - for professionals and others to complete, capturing their understanding of your child's needs.

Who should your lead professional be?

The lead professional involved in your child's care is typically someone from their education setting, such as a teacher or special needs coordinator (SENCO). However, it could also be a health visitor, school nurse, GP, social worker, or mental health practitioner. If the lead professional is not from your child's education provider/school we recommend that the form be completed jointly with them to include information about your child's educational background.

If your child is not in school

If your child is being home-educated or not attending school, we welcome referrals from professionals who are familiar with your family's situation. We have created a separate ‘Alternative Education’ referral form (see downloads section) which can be completed for families whose child is home educated or not in education to ensure that the neurodevelopmental pathway is easily accessible by all.

Download the referral forms and guidance

The referral forms and guidance documents can be found below. These resources will provide you with detailed instructions on how to complete the referral form accurately. 

We encourage you to reach out to the lead professional involved in your child's care to discuss the referral process and express your interest in accessing the Neurodevelopmental Pathway. They will be able to guide you through the form completion and submission process, ensuring that all necessary information is included.

Once submitted, the referral forms and evidence are reviewed by the co-ordination and triage function to ensure the forms are complete and enough information has been provided. Following this, the next steps and referral outcome will be agreed as to whether a full diagnostic assessment is appropriate, and an outcome letter will be sent summarising the key information.