We often get questions asking how the CENMAC referral process works. The following will help to explain the process. 

About CENMAC 

CENMAC is a unique person-centred support service offering assessments, reviews and the loan of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to help children and young people, aged 2 to 25 (with an ECHP), experiencing barriers to learning, access the curriculum and/or to communicate.  

We look at the abilities and strengths of every child or young person we assess and focus on enabling their potential, giving them a voice, and increasing their independence. 

Our holistic approach involves a multi-disciplinary team of professionals working together with schools and families to achieve positive outcomes. 

CENMAC offers training and support to teachers, SENCOs, TAs and parents/carers to increase their confidence and knowledge so they can provide the best level of support. 

How do I refer a child or young person to CENMAC?

Read our Top Tips as this will help make the process smoother.

Please go to Make a Referral.

If you would like to talk to us prior to completing the referral please call CENMAC on 020 8249 6844 (ext. 401).

Who can refer a child or young person to CENMAC? 

Anyone working with the child or young person, or parents or carers can make the initial referral.

We recommend that parents or carers work with a member of the school’s inclusion team such as the SENCO, Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) or Occupational Therapist (OT) to make the referral.

For children who are home schooled – with the LA’s agreement – the parent or carer can make the referral.

What area does CENMAC cover?

We work across the Greater London area, with children and young people aged 2 to 25 with Education Health Care Plans (EHCP) in mainstream education, special schools, and those who are home educated. Visit the Make a Referral webpage to view your Local Authority.

If you live in Greater London but not in one of these boroughs, we might still be able to help you. Sometimes boroughs or schools will pay for a private assessment or individual package through a service level agreement.

How long does the referral process take? 

Generally, the better prepared the referral is before it is submitted for acceptance to the LA the quicker the process should be. 

This does depend on a number of variables so you can expect the process to take from a few weeks, and in some cases a few months, while CENMAC awaits the decision from the LA.

Initial Assessment 

Once the LA accepts the referral or the school takes out a Service Level Agreement, CENMAC will get in touch to arrange the assessment at a time that suits you. 

Who should attend the assessment? 

The school inclusion team should invite the relevant adults, speech and language therapist, teacher, SENCO and class teacher to the assessment. Parents should be notified. There MUST be a member of the teaching staff present or CENMAC cannot assess the child or young person. The assessment will take 1 to 2 hours. 

What happens at the assessment? 

Using the SETT framework we identify the priorities and aspirations of the child or young person in collaboration with their family.  

We seek input from the multidisciplinary team to gain a holistic view of the child or young person’s life which enables us to consider how external factors can impact upon educational outcomes. 

We jointly identify and enable the child or young person to use their individual strengths and abilities to fully realise their potential. 

As we appreciate the key role of the support network around the child or young person in the successful long-term implementation of Assistive Technology, our service relies upon commitment from the education provision to work in partnership.

The advisory teacher will talk to the adults first about what has already been tried or strategies put in place and then demonstrate some of the equipment that CENMAC could loan and the supportive software available.  

The child or young person will join the adults and the equipment will be trialled. We can sometimes leave the equipment on the day and further training will be arranged if needed. 

Download ‘A Guide to when CENMAC comes to visit‘.

> Make a referral

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