Internal referral checklist

Make internal referrals clearer, more consistent and easier to manage with this practical Internal Referral Checklist.

Designed for SENCOs and school staff, this resource helps ensure that the right information has been gathered before a pupil is referred for additional support. It provides staff with a clear process to follow, reducing incomplete referrals and supporting more informed decisions about next steps.

This checklist can help your school to:

• improve the quality and consistency of internal referrals

• clarify what should happen before a referral is submitted

• gather relevant evidence about the pupil’s needs

• encourage staff to record strategies and support already tried

• support productive conversations between teachers, pastoral staff and the SENCO

• identify appropriate next steps more efficiently

Ideal for SENCOs, inclusion leads, pastoral teams and school leaders who want to strengthen their graduated response and create a more manageable referral system.

Please note: This resource is intended to support professional practice and should be adapted to reflect your school’s policies and procedures.