Right to Choose – Information for Parents and Carers

Some families may have heard of Right to Choose when seeking support or an assessment for conditions such as autism or ADHD.

The NHS Right to Choose pathway allows some families in England to choose a different healthcare provider for certain NHS-funded assessments and treatments, rather than using the service normally offered in their local area.

What does Right to Choose mean?

Right to Choose may allow parents and carers to request an assessment through an alternative NHS provider if:

the child is eligible for NHS care;
the provider offers the required service;
the service is commissioned to provide NHS assessments;
the referral meets the provider’s criteria.

Right to Choose does not guarantee an assessment or diagnosis, but it can provide families with greater choice about where they access certain NHS services.

Autism and ADHD Assessments

For children who may need an autism or ADHD assessment, families can discuss options with:

their GP;
their child’s paediatrician or healthcare professional;
the school SEND team.

School staff can provide information about a child’s strengths, needs and experiences to support discussions with professionals.

What Can School Do?

At Madginford Primary School, we support children based on their individual needs, whether or not they have a diagnosis.

We can:

identify barriers to learning and participation;
make appropriate adjustments;
provide SEND support within school;
work with families and external professionals;
share relevant information to support referrals where appropriate.

A diagnosis is not required for a child to receive support in school. We focus on understanding each child and providing the right support at the right time.

Further Information

NHS Right to Choose
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs/

Kent SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)
https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/about-the-send-local-offer

Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK)
https://www.iask.org.uk/

Contacting Our SEND Team