Assessments / Advice & next steps
Understanding assessment reports
It is natural to feel overwhelmed by professional reports. Remember, they are intended to be a roadmap for support, written by experts to help you and the school understand your child’s needs.
Quick answer
Read an assessment report by separating the question, evidence, findings, interpretation, limitations and recommendations. A score or diagnosis is only part of the report. Focus on what it says about the child’s strengths, needs, daily impact and practical support.
What this means
Check who wrote the report, their role and the information considered. Note whether conclusions match the stated assessment question and whether observations from home, school and the child are represented. Recommendations should connect to findings and be clear enough to implement. Ask about contradictions, missing context or technical language.
The report reflects a snapshot in time. It includes professional opinion based on tests and observations. It is meant to be discussed and implemented, not just filed away.
Do not treat a report as a 'pass' for services. It is a piece of evidence. A school may need to try several strategies from the report before knowing what works best for your child.
Questions to ask
What question did the assessment answer? • What are the limitations or uncertainties? • Which recommendations are specific enough to implement and review?
Local Northamptonshire route
If a report is being used in SEN Support or an EHC process, follow the current route of North Northamptonshire Council or West Northamptonshire Council and use the relevant SENDIASS service for free impartial help.
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
Families can review reports themselves. Independent advice is optional where evidence conflicts, technical wording is difficult or a formal decision is being challenged.
What happens next?
Turn usable recommendations into named actions. Keep the report with consent and privacy in mind, and ask how progress or changing needs will be reviewed.
Support that may help
School SENCO, HCPC-registered professionals, SENDIASS.
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.