How health professionals can make a SEND referral for a child in preschool

If you’re a health professional, you must tell us if you believe a child aged 0 to 5 may have special educational needs or a disability (SEND).  

This is called an early notification of needs or Section 23 Notification. 

When you need to give a notification, you must first: 

• tell the child’s parents that you believe the child may have SEND
• give the parents a chance to discuss this opinion with the appropriate health professionals
• tell them that you have a duty to notify the local authority
• advise them about organisations that may be able to support them with their child’s SEND 

Find out how to refer a preschool child who needs multiple services 

Notify us

You’ll need to share information about the child with us.

Submit the form to our Early Years Coordination Team (EYCT) to make sure the child receives the support they need.