Community Early Assessment Team
Young Children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) – Clackmannanshire Council Area
It is widely recognised that early recognition and assessment of young children with ASN is of vital importance. Early recognition and full assessment can lead to appropriate early intervention and support which can benefit both child and family.
To maximise the potential of these children Clackmannanshire Council, together with NHS Foth Valley, developed a multi-disciplinary assessment process for very young children suspected of having ASN.
- The Children's Scotland Act 1995 highlights the need for 'one-stop' assessment. This team would offer a cohesive multi-professional assessment.
- CEAT aims to offer a co-ordinated assessment and clear proposals for intervention and support.
- Referrals are made to CEAT by those directly involved with pre-school children, e.g. parents, HV's, GP's, nursery or play group's staff.
- Each referral to CEAT is considered by a co-ordinating team, consisting of a representative from SWS, Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Consultant Paediatrician, Senior Psychologist, Physiotherapist and Paediatric Occupational Therapist. This group decides on the appropriateness of each referral and if assessment is to be undertaken, which professionals will be involved. In addition, all children have vision and hearing assessments carried out by Community Paediatricians.
- Each assessment is carried out during an eight week period.
- At the end of this period written reports are submitted for consideration by other team members, prior to the assessment meeting. Ideally the content of reports should be shared with parents prior to the assessment meeting and copies of reports made available as necessary.
- A short pre-meeting of professionals takes place first prior to the full assessment meeting. This allows professionals the opportunity to share observations and clarify any points before meeting with parents.
- The assessment meeting which follows allows full discussion of reports and proposed measures to try to meet the child's needs. At this meeting each professional involved will discuss their assessment with the parents and the meeting is Chaired by the Principal Psychologist.
- A plan of action, and copies of professional reports, would be distributed to parents and to other professionals involved.
- A core-worker, who will be responsible for review, is identified.
- The service also employs a co-ordinator (for collation and distribution of reports, organisation of meetings/visits, minute taking) who is located within the Psychological Service.
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Acting Principal Psychologist, Psychological Service
Second Floor , 15 Mar Street, Alloa, FK10 1HR
Tel: 01259 226000
Email: arussell@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form.