INCLUSIVEGRID — SUPPORT BEFORE DIAGNOSIS
For parents in England. Updated 27 September 2026.
Preparation tools, not a diagnostic test or individual legal advice.
Copy the sections you need into your own notes. Store completed records
privately. Nothing in this file is submitted to InclusiveGrid.
You do not need to complete this pack before asking school for help.

1. REQUEST A SCHOOL MEETING

Subject: Request for a meeting about support for [child's name]

Dear [teacher / SENCO],

I am concerned that [child's name] is experiencing difficulties with
[description]. Examples include [observation and impact] and [example].
My child has shared [their views, if available].

Although they do not currently have a diagnosis, I would like to discuss
their needs and what support can begin now. Could we arrange a meeting
to review what school is observing, whether SEN support is needed,
and what strategies could help?

Please could we record the agreed actions, who is responsible, when
support will start and a date to review its effect? Please also share
any existing support records and the school's SEN information report.

Kind regards,
[Name]

2. NEEDS AND OBSERVATIONS DIARY — repeat as needed

Date and situation:
What happened (observation, not an assumed diagnosis):
What my child said / communicated:
What is my interpretation rather than their own account:
Effect on learning, participation or wellbeing:
What helped / strengths and interests:
What school noticed, if known:
Question to discuss:

Keep entries brief. Include positive experiences. Do not record every
difficult moment or wait for a complete diary before requesting support.

3. SCHOOL SUPPORT AND REVIEW TRACKER — one entry per action

Need or difficulty:
Child's views and preferred support:
Outcome we are working towards:
Support agreed (or proposed — state which):
Who is responsible:
When, where and how often it will happen:
Start date:
Review date:
How we will check whether it helps:

AT REVIEW
Was the support delivered as agreed?
Child's experience:
Parent and school observations:
What improved / what remains difficult:
Decision: continue / adapt / stop / seek further advice:
Next action, owner and date:

4. MEETING FOLLOW-UP EMAIL

Subject: Actions from our meeting on [date]

Dear [name],

Thank you for meeting. My understanding is that we agreed [support],
provided by [person], starting [date] and happening [frequency].
We will review this on [date], looking at [outcome / evidence].
We still need to clarify [question]. Please let me know if I have
misunderstood anything and confirm the outstanding points.

Kind regards,
[Name]

5. REFERRAL AND SERVICE CONTACT TRACKER — repeat for each service

Service and purpose:
Contact details:
Who made the referral / enquiry:
Date sent and copy saved at:
Date receipt was confirmed:
Accepted / awaiting decision / declined and reason:
Information still needed and who will send it:
Any waiting-time estimate (who gave it and when):
Support available while waiting:
Next action and person responsible:
Agreed response date / my follow-up reminder (label which):
Outcome and date:

A personal reminder is not a formal legal deadline. Check any formal
deadline against its source and get advice if it is unclear.

GUIDANCE
School support before diagnosis:
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/how-your-nursery-school-or-college-should-help
SEN support and review:
https://www.ipsea.org.uk/faqs/what-does-sen-support-in-school-mean
Find SENDIASS:
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/about-us-0/networks/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service