This book offers an evidence-based approach to empower early years, primary and secondary education professionals to identify individual pupil needs quickly and carefully, without the long wait or cost for a specialist diagnosis.

The resource guides the reader through aspects of core cognitive testing, showing how to identify specific areas of need from phonological and visual processing to executive functioning and mental health. It advocates for child-centred and school-based solutions for “what now?” and “what next?”, based on screening data, and supports SEND teams to provide targeted strategies and advice for colleagues and families alike. At a strategic level, the book enables school leaders to use cohort data over time to anticipate trends and to develop and improve provision, policies, and practice, ensuring that no child misses out.

With suggestions for quick, free, easy and timely assessments, this comprehensive resource is an invaluable tool for all SEND professionals working in or alongside mainstream and alternative provision at early years, primary or secondary level.

Hannah Moloney is a SEND specialist with many years of experience in the education and care sectors. She is passionate about working to improve the SENCO role in practice, as well as build recognition for children with special educational needs and disabilities through strategic development of education, health and social care partnership working. Instigator of the Bath Spa University National SENCO Surveys, Hannah is devoted to improving SEND provision in schools nationally. A qualified, practising SENCO and specialist assessor, she currently leads strategically on SEND provision across a group of primary and secondary schools.