In Newcastle, we use the Descriptors of Need (DoN). These are guides that are used by professionals, parents and carers for:
- understanding the level of need of a child or young person
- planning and choosing the support that will meet their needs
- making sure that support is consistent and fair
- helping parents and carers to understand:
- their child's needs
- how they should be supported in school
There are different guides that cover different ages and each area of need.
You can view all our Descriptors of Need guides on our website.
We are developing an online form for the Descriptors of Need. It will give you a personalised report based on your answers. In the meantime, you can use the online Descriptors of Need guides.
What does a Descriptors of Need guide look like?
Each guide is divided into ranges. These show different levels of need for a child or young person.
Many guides will have 7 ranges. However, this number can be lower.
| Mild needs - Complex needs | ||||||
|
Range 1 |
Range 2 |
Range 3 |
Range 4 |
Range 5 |
Range 6 |
Range 7 |
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For each range there are:
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The best way to understand a Descriptor of Need guide is to look at one. As an example, here's the Descriptors of Need guide for cognition and learning in school age children.
How do I use a Descriptor of Need (DoN) guide?
We recommend you look at descriptors with others working with you or your child.
- Visit SEND descriptors of need.
- Click the age phase of the child or young person. This is either:
- early years
- school age
- post-16
- Click the area of need of the child or young person
- Read the bullet points under each range which describe what the child or young person might be struggling with
- Decide which range that best describes the child or young person
- Click the boxes in that range to see recommendations for support
Please know that sometimes a child or young person might be between ranges.