If you have a little one with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), you probably already know that waiting lists can feel never ending. Whether you're just starting to seek support or already in the system, there always seems to be another list to join. From waiting for assessments to waiting for therapy sessions, it can feel like everything moves slowly while your child’s needs are happening right now.
This guide from Fun and Play shares straightforward advice to help you navigate waiting lists in Surrey, especially around Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames and nearby. These tips are based on what families in the area are doing and the kind of local resources that might help you along the way. You’re not alone, and there are things you can do while you wait.
Common waiting lists families face
It’s very normal to feel like you're constantly waiting. Some of the most common areas include:
🧠 Assessments for ASD or ADHD
Many families are waiting for an autism or ADHD diagnosis. This often starts with a referral from a GP or nursery SENco. They can take years, and as a parent it in our hands to push and chase the referrals and appointments. Meanwhile you can have other professionals involved like OT, SaLT, etc so reports are ready for when the appointments with Developmental Paediatrician is due. Some families decide to go private to speed things up, although that is not possible for everyone.
🗣 Therapies
Speech and language therapy (SLT), occupational therapy (OT), and physiotherapy often have long waiting lists through the NHS. Some families fund private sessions while they wait. There are also a numerous number of charities that provide therapies for our little ones through an initial assessment, reach your Health Visitor, Family Support Worker or Home Start key person to ask for those.
📄 Education, health and care plans (EHCP)
The EHCP process itself takes time and includes assessment stages that also involve waiting. It is not unusual for the whole process to take over six months from start to finish. Knowing that it should be on the time frame we strongly advice to file formal complaints through the local authority website when deadlines are not met, that will help with the responses.
🛝 Short breaks and local offer services
Local authority funded services like Short Breaks, holiday clubs or inclusive play sessions can also have limited spaces and waiting lists, depending on the time of year or funding available. Best thing is to put your child in the waiting list as soon as you think they can access the services so you won't miss the opportunity.
👶 General paediatric appointments
Getting a general developmental assessment or follow up with a community paediatrician can involve months of waiting too.
In Surrey, there are known delays and pressure on SEND services, but it’s still worth taking steps that keep things moving on your side.
What you can do while you wait.
Here are practical steps Fun and Play recommends for getting through the waiting time:
📔 keep a daily or weekly record
Just like with DLA and EHCP applications, it helps to write down your child’s needs and behaviours regularly. Note anything that makes life more challenging, especially on difficult days. These notes become valuable evidence for assessments, EHCPs or funding applications. You can also collect reports from preschool or nursery staff, and even from charities like Small Steps.
👩🏫 Work closely with Early Years settings
If your child is in a nursery or preschool, make sure their SENco is actively supporting you. They can often apply for Early Intervention Funding, help with referrals, and provide useful written reports. They may also start putting in small strategies that support your child while you wait in an official document called 'Surrey Care Plan' and/or 'Pathway'
🏘 Use charity and community help
There are excellent local and national organisations that can offer support during the waiting time. Look into Portage (for under 3s), Small Steps, Action for Carers, Send Advice Surrey, Skylarks, SOS!SEN, HomeStart, Family centres run by Spurgeons children's charity and IPSEA. These groups can help with paperwork, rights, and letters.
📝 Apply for DLA early
You don’t need a formal diagnosis or an EHCP to apply for Disability Living Allowance. Many families qualify based on their child’s daily needs. DLA can make a real difference to your finances and help you access other types of support. Some nurseries may also ask for DLA as part of evidence for EHCP or funding. We have some DLA specific posts in this blog to help you strategically with the application.
💷 Consider private options if it works for your family
Some families explore private assessments or therapy to avoid delays. Reports from private SLTs or OTs can be used as part of your EHCP evidence. This isn’t an option for everyone, but some raise funds through GoFundMe or Tree of Hope if they choose this route.
📩 Start the EHCP process sooner rather than later
Even if you feel you don’t have enough evidence, starting the EHCP application puts you on the path. You can build up more reports during the process. Just being on the council’s SEND register or getting DLA can help show that support is needed.
🛝 Apply for short breaks and local offer activities
Check what is available through your local authority’s Local Offer website. Some councils offer grants or funded places for clubs and holiday schemes. You might have to wait for some of these too, but it’s worth getting on the list early.
📣 Speak up and stay organised
Always explain your child’s needs clearly, and don’t be afraid to describe things on a bad day. If something is not progressing, or if you feel a decision was unfair, there are ways to appeal. Groups like IPSEA offer template letters and guidance. If something is written into an EHCP, the council must deliver it.
🌻 Take care of yourself too
SEND parenting is emotionally and physically draining. If you can, take short breaks, find time for a coffee, or talk to someone who understands. Little moments for yourself help you stay strong while waiting.
Waiting lists are hard, and it can feel like time is slipping away. But there are still steps you can take that make a difference. Whether it’s getting your paperwork in order, accessing financial support, or linking up with local charities, every action brings you one step closer.
Fun and Play is here to help you find your way through the early years in and around Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames 💛
Got a question or a local recommendation? Pop it in the comments 👇 We love hearing from you.