From Concern to Action: A Practical SEND Initial Concern Toolkit

Not sure what to do when a teacher raises their first SEND concern? This practical toolkit has been designed by an experienced primary SENCO to support the early identification of need and guide the next steps within the graduated approach.

Perfect for SENCOs, class teachers and SEND teams, this resource moves beyond a simple concern form by providing worked examples, observation strategies and practical recommendations to support professional decision-making.

This toolkit includes:
• Editable SEND Initial Concern Form template
• A fully completed worked example
• Examples of reasonable adjustments already in place
• Suggested SENCO recommendations and next steps
• Guidance on a range of SENCO observation strategies, including:

• ABC observations
• Environmental scans
• Communication observations
• Time sampling
• Strengths-based observations
• Social interaction mapping
• Sensory observations
• Participation audits
• “A Day in the Life” observations

Ideal for:
• Early identification of SEND needs
• Supporting the graduated approach (Assess, Plan, Do, Review)
• Guiding discussions between teachers and SENCOs
• SEND monitoring meetings
• Evidence gathering for referrals and further assessment
• Supporting new or aspiring SENCOs

Fully editable and designed for use in primary schools, this toolkit aims to make the process of identifying, observing and responding to concerns more structured, practical and supportive for staff.

Please note: This resource is intended to support professional judgement and should be adapted to reflect your school’s own SEND policies and procedures.