text: Parents sometimes shy away from an assessment, fearing their child will be somehow branded by it. But your child will still be the same child, and identification of difficulties will just mean he/she will be better supported to reach his or her potential, and will probably have a happier experience at school as a result.
  And you should always share the findings with a prospective school. Parents sometimes avoid this fearing it means their child will be refused a place. But schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for any additional needs a child has, and will only refuse the child if his or her needs go beyond their capability - and in that case, the school is not the right place for your child.
  This assessment and the report will play a key role in obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which can compel a local authority to provide the necessary support, and it will be crucial should you need to mount a legal challenge regarding a school place or the provision being made in your school. For older children, the assessment will enable them to receive extra time/help in examinations if appropriate. It is therefore an important document and you should ensure you have a copy and keep it in a safe place. You should also give a copy to a new school or college as your child moves on.
  What do you do if you suspect a difficulty with learning but the teachers don't seem concerned or maintain that your child will catch up given time, or is just average? Do follow up on your hunch.
  The key thing to remember is that the sooner your child's difficulties are isolated, identified and dealt with, the less their education will suffer, the more successfully they will learn and the less their self-esteem and self-confidence will be affected.
  It is difficult to overestimate the importance of self-esteem in the classroom, and the more this can be protected, the better for your child.