Section 23: Letting the council know your child may have SEND

If you're worried about your child's development, a health professional, such as a Health Visitor, is often one of the first people you can talk to. They can discuss your concerns, help you understand what support is available, and talk through the next steps with you.

Health professionals also have a legal duty to tell the council if they believe a child under school age has, or may have, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This is called a Section 23 notification.

The aim is to identify your child's needs early so that services can work together and provide the right support at the right time.

What happens before a notification is made

Before making a Section 23 notification, the health professional will:

• talk to you about any concerns they have
• explain the support that may be available
• tell you that they need to notify the council
• signpost you to services and organisations that can help

A Section 23 notification does not automatically lead to additional support, such as an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). No decisions will be made without involving you.

For a detailed explanation of Section 23 visit the UK Legislation website.

How a Section 23 notification is made

If a health professional believes a child under compulsory school age has, or may have, SEND, they will complete a Section 23 notification and send it to the council.

What happens next

Once the form has been submitted, you will receive an email from the council.

The notification will be reviewed by the Early Years Support Panel, which looks at how best to support children and families. The panel may recommend services or support that could help your child.

The purpose of the notification is to make sure your child gets the right support as early as possible.

How your information is kept safe

• Only professionals involved in supporting your child can access the information
• Information is kept private and secure
• You can ask questions about how your information is used at any time.
• All professionals follow data protection laws