Transforming SEND Assessment Through In-House Clinical Provision at The Mercian Trust

In response to the national crisis of delayed assessments for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), The Mercian Trust developed a pioneering in-house clinical model to accelerate identification and intervention. This innovative approach enabled the Trust to overcome systemic delays, reduce reliance on external agencies, and significantly improve learner outcomes.

Traditional referral routes for clinical assessment often involved waiting times averaging 14 months, leaving schools and families without timely support. Recognising the urgency of early intervention, The Mercian Trust focused on developing internal expertise by leveraging its role as a professional training environment. Astrategic partnership with a local university led to the integration of nearly 80 clinical students—across disciplines including Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Music, Drama, and Art Therapy, as well as Mental Health Nursing—directly into school settings.

This initiative not only enhanced learning support but also enabled critical reflection on school environments, systems, and processes that may inadvertently hinder learner progress. Insights from clinical trainees led to meaningful adjustments that improved pupil confidence, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

To address the bottleneck in external clinical assessments, The Mercian Trust established its own Multi-Disciplinary Clinical Team, comprising qualified therapists in key areas. This internal team introduced a triage-based referral system, pre-referral consultations, and streamlined communication channels. The impact was profound: average assessment lead times were reduced from the average of 14 months to less than 14 days.

In building this model, The Mercian Trust prioritised innovation, adaptability, and shared objectives between clinicians and educators. The Trust’s therapists—many of whom continue to collaborate with the NHS and CAMHS—have helped bridge communication gaps and facilitate more cohesive inter-agency partnerships.

To ensure sustainability as the Trust grows, a new tier of Occupational Therapy and Speech, Language and Communication Assistants has been introduced. The success of the model relies on the close integration of clinical practice within school operations and a shared commitment to learner-centred support.

This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the transformative potential of reimagining traditional systems. The Mercian Trust encourages others pursuing similar pathways to remain flexible, embrace new perspectives, and develop a detailed understanding of learners’ needs. This case highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration and innovation in delivering timely, effective support for vulnerable pupils.