How to make a referral
Permission must be sought from the child or young person’s home Local Authority (LA) for funding before CENMAC can assess them.
Think of this as a “grant” application. Please give as much information as you can. It will help the LA make a decision and CENMAC to arrive at the assessment well informed.
It is helpful to ensure timely processing of referrals if schools have discussed with the identified EHCP coordinator/case worker at the LA for the child or young person before completing and submitting the referral form.
To refer a child or young person to CENMAC
Schools need to demonstrate clearly to the LA that they:
- have used their own resources, strategies and expertise over time and then reviewed before considering a referral (eg IEP)
- can evidence through this that standard equipment/software is not appropriate or is not resulting in satisfactory progress
- have the most up-to-date available supporting documents to evidence this (list on referral form)
- have the support of another professional (eg SALT, OT, VI, HI, EP)
- may already have reference to assistive technology in the EHCP
Top Tips for completing the referral form
Complete the form as fully as possible. It may mean asking others for information to complete all questions.
Please explain the difficulties the child or young person is having and let us know what has already been tried. Remember CENMAC is an advice and support service and not just a loan library.
Make sure that the supporting information requested (EHCP, IEP, OT, SALT, VI, HI reports and handwriting/drawing sample as applicable) is included with the form as it is hard to extract specific aims and objectives for CENMAC from large documents such as the EHCP. If any of the above are inappropriate, please say so on the form.
Unfortunately, CENMAC cannot expect Local Authorities to accept referrals where the form has not been fully completed and/or supporting documentation/evidence is insufficient. Download Top Tips for making a referral.
Please click on your Local Authority below to complete a referral form
