Why this guide exists
This guide is designed to help parents and carers explain their child's needs clearly, honestly and confidently.
It is not about "beating the system." It is not about exaggerating. It is not about saying the "magic words."
It is about showing the real daily support your child needs because of disability, neurodivergence, anxiety, sensory needs, sleep difficulties, behaviour, communication needs or safety risks.
is not awarded just because a child has autism, , , anxiety, sensory processing difficulties or another diagnosis.
is awarded for…
- the extra care your child needs
- the extra supervision your child needs
- the extra prompting your child needs
- the risks they face
- the time support takes
- what happens if support is not given
- how their needs compare with another child of the same age without those difficulties
Ask yourself before you start
- What help does my child need?
- How often do they need it?
- How long does it take?
- What happens without help?
- Would another child their age need this level of support?
The 22 parts that follow walk through every section of the form. Read in order, or jump to the section you're stuck on.