Identification of need and inclusive provision

The NHS Children and Young People's Health Service is developing a new digital Early Needs and Support Mapping Tool to help ensure that children and young people (CYP) in Norfolk and Waveney receive the right support at the right time.  This work is being developed through the System Collaborative programme, with children and young people, families and professionals collaborating, ensuring the tool is informed by lived experience and professional expertise. It aligns with the national SEND Reform, emphasising earlier identification of need, clearer information for families, and more consistent pathways of support.

The proposal for the digital tool, which will be hosted on the Just One Norfolk website, will support earlier identification of strengths and needs, match children's needs with the right support, and enable quicker, more flexible access to support.  A first version will be available by April 2027 and will continue to evolve, with ongoing testing with CYP and families to ensure the tool is safe, effective and user‑friendly. It is not intended to replace any existing practice.

Expectations for identification of need in schools

INDES (Identification of Needs in Educational Settings) remains the required approach for all CYP in your setting who have additional needs, including those who join mid-phase. Please continue to complete the INDES webform, using it alongside existing tools such as the Graduated Provision Map (GPM) and the Inclusion and Provision Self-Evaluation Framework (IPSEF).

Using these tools together will help ensure identification of needs—both for individual CYP and across cohorts—is accurate, holistic and consistent. Information gathered should be used to plan effective provision, monitor progress and review support in line with statutory expectations. Collectively, these tools provide a robust framework for understanding your school's profile of need and ensuring provision remains well targeted and effective.