Getting SEND Right — Together
Expert psychological input to support SEND identification, EHCP applications, reviews and appeals.
What we offer
The SEND landscape presents significant challenges for schools — with increasing demand, complex processes, challenging local authority decisions and the ever-present risk of tribunal. At Abacus Psychology Service, we provide specialist psychological expertise to support schools at every stage of the SEND and EHCP process — from early identification and needs assessment through to annual reviews, plan amendments, appeals and tribunal. Our experienced psychologists understand the SEND Code of Practice and the importance of building a strong, credible evidence base.
Why Expert Psychological Input is Essential for SEND
SEND identification and EHCP is a high-stakes process — for children, for families and for schools. Getting it right requires a clear, credible, evidence-based psychological assessment that accurately captures a child's needs and the provision required to meet them. Under-assessment leads to under-provision. Poorly evidenced plans lead to local authority challenges and, ultimately, tribunal. Schools with access to specialist psychological expertise are better placed to identify need early, build robust cases and challenge decisions that do not adequately reflect children's needs.
Our SEND & EHCP Support for Schools
Psychological Assessment for EHCP
Specialist psychological assessment of pupils put forward for EHCP — providing the detailed, credible evidence that local authorities need and that plans need to be meaningful.
EHCP Report Writing
We write clear, detailed psychological reports specifically for EHCP purposes — evidencing need, explaining educational impact and specifying the provision required to address it.
SEND Identification & Early Assessment
Psychological consultation and assessment to support early SEND identification — helping schools understand complex presentations and put appropriate support in place before needs escalate.
Annual Review Support
We provide psychological input for EHCP annual reviews — updated assessments, advice on plan amendments and support for the annual review meeting process.
Appeals & Tribunal Support
When local authority decisions do not reflect children's needs, we provide expert psychological evidence to support school and family appeals to the SEND Tribunal.
LA Negotiation & Mediation Support
We support schools in negotiations with local authorities — providing psychological evidence and expert consultation to strengthen the school's position and achieve better outcomes for pupils.
