CONSULTATION AND ASSESSMENT
Consultation is often the starting point for understanding a child or young person's strengths, needs and experiences. It provides an opportunity for the adults involved to come together, share perspectives and develop a shared understanding of what may be influencing a child's learning, wellbeing or development. Through discussion and collaborative problem-solving, consultation can help identify what is working well, explore any areas of concern and consider helpful next steps. In some cases, this may be enough to inform support. In others, we may decide that further assessment or involvement would be helpful.
My involvement is tailored to the individual child or young person, but may include the following stages
Initial Consultation
An initial consultation brings together the key people involved in a child's life, which may include parents, carers, school staff and other professionals. We will explore the child's strengths, interests, developmental history and current needs, as well as any questions or concerns that have led to the referral. Together, we will consider possible next steps and agree whether any further involvement is needed.
Assessment
Assessment is guided by the individual needs of the child or young person and the questions we are seeking to answer.
I will always seek the views of the child or young person, alongside those of their parents, carers and school staff. Assessment may include observation, discussion, activities, record reviews, questionnaires or more formal assessments where appropriate. Throughout the process, I aim to build a holistic understanding of the child's strengths, needs and experiences across different environments.
Feedback and Planning
Following assessment, I will provide feedback to parents, carers and professionals and will usually produce a written report or summary of my involvement. Together, we will develop a shared understanding of the findings and agree practical recommendations and next steps. The aim is to ensure that support feels meaningful, achievable and tailored to the child's individual strengths and needs.
Intervention
Where appropriate, intervention may form part of a graduated assess-plan-do-review process. Intervention is developed collaboratively with children, families, schools and other professionals. It may include further consultation, advice and strategies for home and school, staff support, individual or group work, or direct therapeutic intervention.