Contact the Severe Learning Difficulties Service
The Moderate Learning Difficulties Service can be contacted for advice and information specific to children and young people who have, or may have, severe learning difficulties.
How to access Severe Learning Difficulties Service
How to get support for a child or young person.
If your child is suspected of having a Severe Learning Difficulty, an Educational Psychologist (EP) from the Education Authority will carry out a Cognition and Learning assessment.
Support from our team usually occurs after a referral is made by the Educational Psychologist on behalf of you (as parents and carers) and your child’s school.
The EP’s referral will detail your child’s strengths, the impact of their Severe Learning Difficulties and their educational needs. We will consult with your child’s school, as well as speaking to you, as parents or carers. From this we will produce a tailored support programme.
If your child has not yet reached primary 1 age and has, or may have a Severe Learning Difficulty, they may be supported by the Special Educational Needs Early Years Inclusion Service (SENEYIS).
If you think your child has a learning need, you can talk to a number of professionals for advice including medical or social care professionals, your child’s teacher, the school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) of one of their teachers if attending pre-school.
We can support children and young people with or without a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
The Referral Process
Can a parent or carer refer a child or young person to this Service?
You can’t currently refer your child to the Special Educational Needs Inclusion Service for Severe Learning Difficulties. The referral must be made via an EA Educational Psychologist (EP).
If you have a concern about your child, speak to their teachers at the child’s school or a professional such as a GP or social worker, who will then provide advice and guidance on the issue.
How is a Child or Young Person Referred to the SEN Inclusion Service for Severe Learning Difficulties?
Pre-school Aged Children
If your child is under assessment by an Educational Psychologist and has clearly identified learning needs, they may be referred to the SEN Early Years Inclusion Service (SENEYIS).
If your child has not been referred to or is not being supported by SENEYIS and you believe they may have severe learning difficulties, you can talk to a number of professionals for advice including medical or social care professionals or pre-school setting staff.
Primary 1
If your child has SLD and been supported by the SEN Early Years Inclusion Service, all relevant information about them will automatically be passed on to our Service once your child is due to start primary school.
Our service will then continue to provide appropriate support for your child, parents and the school.
If your child hasn’t been supported by SENEYIS previously and you think they have a learning need, you are advised to talk to your child’s teacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) at the school.
Primary 1-7 and Post-Primary Aged Children
If your child has Severe Learning Difficulties, they may be referred to this Service by an Educational Psychologist.
If your child has not been referred to or is not being supported by our Service and you believe they may have SLD, you can talk to a number of professionals for advice including medical or social care professionals and the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) at your child’s school.
For more details on to how to access support from the Service see our Making a Referral and Timeline and Criteria information.
What Happens Following a Referral to the Service?
The support provided by our Service is based on the specific needs of each child or young person. If support is required, we can provide resources, training, advice and guidance for parents and schools. We can also provide bespoke support for your child where appropriate.
Support can be provided with or without a Statement of Special Educational Needs being in place.
What level of support will my child receive?
For many children and young people with SEN, their specific needs can be met within their school.
The support provided by our Service is based on the specific needs of each child or young person. If support is required, we can provide resources, training, advice and guidance for parents and schools. We can also provide bespoke support for your child where appropriate.
Support can be provided with or without a Statement of Special Educational Needs being in place.