Assessments / Advice & next steps
Understanding learning difficulties
A child can be capable and curious while finding particular parts of learning unusually difficult. Support should respond to need rather than wait for a label.
Quick answer
Learning difficulties is a broad term for persistent barriers with areas such as reading, writing, spelling, maths, memory, processing or organising learning. It does not describe one diagnosis or level of ability. Start with the pattern of strengths and difficulties, the impact in everyday learning and the support that helps.
What this means
Learning difficulties may be specific, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, or part of a wider profile involving language, attention, coordination, sensory needs or general development. Similar classroom difficulties can have different causes, so assessment should consider teaching history, attendance, communication, vision or hearing concerns, emotional wellbeing and response to targeted support. No single checklist can identify the full picture.
School evidence across time and tasks is often more useful than one isolated score. Look for consistency, situations where the child performs differently and strategies that improve access.
Learning difficulty and learning disability are not interchangeable terms. If a professional uses either term, ask what they mean in relation to the individual child.
Questions to ask
Which tasks are difficult, and which similar tasks are easier?
What teaching or adjustments have been tried and for how long?
Are language, attention, sensory or motor factors also relevant?
What specific question would further assessment need to answer?
Local Northamptonshire route
The school should begin assessment and support through SEN Support. North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire publish separate Local Offer and SENDIASS information. Ask the SENCO which local specialist routes are available and use the relevant SENDIASS service for free impartial guidance.
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
A private assessment is not required before school support can begin. Specialist teacher, speech and language, occupational therapy or educational psychology input may help depending on the question. Check qualifications and professional registration where applicable.
What happens next?
Review whether agreed teaching and adjustments improve access and progress. If difficulties persist, refine the assessment question and consider appropriate specialist advice. Keep the child’s self-esteem and participation central to planning.
Support that may help
School SENCO · Specialist teacher · Educational psychologist · Speech and language therapist · Occupational therapist
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.