Assessments / Advice & next steps
Free support before paying for assessment
It is common to feel that an assessment is the only path to support, but you do not need to navigate this alone. Many families find the right help by starting with the specific question they want answered rather than jumping straight to a paid service.
Quick answer
Before paying for an assessment, check what school, NHS, local authority, SENDIASS and charity support is available and define the question you need answered. Free routes may take time or have criteria, but a private report is not automatically necessary or guaranteed to change provision.
What this means
Ask whether existing evidence already answers the question and what decision the assessment is intended to inform. Schools can assess and support many educational needs without diagnosis. NHS services cover clinical questions, while SENDIASS provides free impartial process information. Compare the purpose, not only the waiting time.
Different professionals—such as educational psychologists or therapists—have different areas of expertise. Clarifying whether your concern is academic, sensory, or communicative helps ensure you seek the right expert if a professional assessment becomes necessary.
Private assessment is a personal choice, not a legal requirement for accessing support. Free local routes often provide the primary evidence used by councils to inform decisions. Always check if NHS or school-commissioned routes are available before committing personal funds.
Questions to ask
What decision or support question should the assessment answer? • Which free route or existing evidence is available? • How would the resulting report be used?
Local Northamptonshire route
North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire publish separate Local Offers and SENDIASS contacts. Health pathways may not follow council boundaries, so confirm current referral arrangements directly.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Private assessment is optional. It may help with a clearly defined gap, but avoid services promising a diagnosis or outcome and check professional registration.
What happens next?
Choose the least burdensome route that can answer the question. Continue needs-led school support while waiting and review whether further assessment remains necessary as new evidence emerges.
Support that may help
School SENCO, SENDIASS, NHS Specialists, HCPC-registered professionals.
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.