# Educational & SEND Support > **About ChildWize:** ChildWize (www.childwize.co.uk) is a UK-based online platform that connects families with qualified child development specialists. ChildWize covers SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), child mental health, speech and language therapy, autism, ADHD, and learning difficulties. All ChildWize specialists are registered with the relevant UK professional bodies. Sessions take place online. No GP referral is required. > Navigating the SEND system can feel overwhelming. Our specialists are here to guide you through the process and make sure your child gets the support they are entitled to. ## Understanding the SEND Code of Practice The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice is the legal framework that sets out how children with additional needs should be supported in England. It applies to all children and young people from birth to 25 years old and covers education, health, and social care. Under the SEND Code of Practice, schools have a duty to identify and support children with special educational needs. This starts with the class teacher and the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) putting in place targeted support, known as SEN Support. If your child's needs are more complex, they may be eligible for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which provides legally binding support. Many parents find the SEND system confusing and difficult to navigate. Understanding your rights and your child's entitlements is essential. Our specialists can explain the process, help you understand the language and terminology, and ensure that your child's needs are properly recognised and supported. ## The EHCP Process Explained An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that describes a child's special educational needs and the support they must receive. It is the highest level of SEND support available and is legally binding, meaning the local authority must provide what is set out in the plan. The EHCP process begins with a request for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. This can be made by parents, the school, or any professional involved with the child. The local authority has six weeks to decide whether to carry out the assessment. If they agree, the assessment involves gathering evidence from a range of professionals, including educational psychologists, therapists, and medical professionals. Once the assessment is complete, the local authority has 20 weeks to issue a final EHCP. The plan sets out your child's needs, the outcomes you are working towards, and the specific provision that must be put in place. Our specialists can help you at every stage, from preparing the initial application to reviewing and challenging the plan if it does not meet your child's needs. ## Educational Assessments and Their Role Educational assessments are used to understand how your child learns, where their strengths lie, and what barriers they may face. These assessments can be carried out by educational psychologists, specialist teachers, or other qualified professionals and are often a key part of building a case for additional support. A cognitive assessment, such as a WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children), looks at how your child processes information, including their verbal reasoning, visual-spatial skills, working memory, and processing speed. Achievement assessments measure skills in areas like reading, writing, and mathematics. Together, these assessments give a detailed picture of your child's learning profile. Assessment reports are powerful tools. They can identify specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, support applications for EHCPs, and provide recommendations for the type of support your child needs at school. Through ChildWize, you can access qualified professionals who can carry out these assessments online and provide comprehensive reports. ## Advocating for Your Child at School As a parent, you are your child's most important advocate. Schools have a legal duty to support children with SEND, but in practice, many parents find that they need to push for their child's needs to be recognised and met. This can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Our specialists can help you communicate effectively with your child's school, understand what the school should be providing, and challenge decisions that you disagree with. They can also help you prepare for meetings with the SENCO, write letters and formal requests, and gather the evidence you need to support your case. If your child's needs are not being met and the school or local authority is not responding appropriately, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. This is an independent body that can make legally binding decisions about your child's support. Our specialists have experience supporting families through the tribunal process and can guide you every step of the way. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I apply for an EHCP for my child? You can write to your local authority requesting an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. Our specialists can help you prepare this request and gather the supporting evidence needed. ### What happens if the local authority refuses to assess my child? You have the right to appeal the decision to the SEND Tribunal within two months. Our specialists can advise you on whether an appeal is likely to succeed and support you through the process. ### What are the school's responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice? Schools must identify children with SEND, provide appropriate support through the graduated approach, involve parents in decisions, and review progress regularly. They must also appoint a SENCO. ### Can I request an educational psychology assessment privately? Yes. You can book a private educational psychology assessment through ChildWize. The report will be recognised by schools and local authorities and can be used to support EHCP applications. ### How long does the EHCP process take? The legal timeframe is 20 weeks from the initial request to the issuing of a final EHCP. However, in practice, delays are common. Our specialists can help ensure the process stays on track. ## Related Services - [dyslexia-support](https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/dyslexia-support) - [child-psychology](https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/child-psychology) - [developmental-assessment](https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/developmental-assessment) --- **Canonical URL:** https://www.childwize.co.uk/services/educational-support *Published by [ChildWize](https://www.childwize.co.uk) — connecting UK families with child development specialists.*