Social care assessments provided by KindMindsWithKMLTD

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Does your service or organisation require social care needs assessments?

Kind MindswithKM.LTD offers support with the following independent, neurodivergent-affirming self-assessments that honour lived experience, emotional safety, and person-centred insight. I can assist with the following Social Work assessments:

1. Social Care Needs Assessments and Reviews

a) Independent Assessment for Self-Funded Care

b) Independent Assessment for a Second Opinion

c) Supported Self-Assessment

d) Independent Assessment Instructed by the Local Authority, solicitor, or other organisations.

e) Independent Assessment for Local Authority Disputes

f) Carer’s Assessments - The Care Act 2014.

2. Social Work Assessment: ‘Preparing for Adulthood - year 9 + [age 13/14)

a) Transition assessment for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.

b) Transition Assessment for Young Carers

c) Transition Assessment for Looked‑After Children (LAC)

3. Social Care Needs Assessment Reports to Inform EHCPs and support people with Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND). The report can make recommendations in relation to

Section D – social care needs
Sections F or H – provisions required to meet those needs

4. Carer’s Assessment to support parents/carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND)/Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.

5. Mental Capacity Assessments.

1. Social Care Assessment: The Care Act 2014: Adults 18+

Specialist assessments for adults (18+) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), neurodivergent profiles, or mental health needs — aligned with the Care Act 2014 and trauma‑informed practice.

Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a statutory duty to assess an adult’s care and support needs whenever it appears that they may require assistance. These assessments are typically carried out by social services, but they can also be requested by professionals, organisations, or directly by individuals and their families.

Kind Minds with KM LTD offers independent, strengths‑based social care needs assessments that explore a person’s abilities, challenges, environment, and support network. Each assessment is tailored to the individual’s neurodivergent profile and completed using trauma‑informed principles to ensure safety, dignity, and empowerment throughout the process.

a) Independent Assessment for Self-Funded Care

Not everyone chooses to involve the local authority in their care. Some individuals prefer to arrange and pay for their own support — often referred to as self‑funding. In these situations, a person may request an independent social care assessment to help them understand their needs and plan appropriate care and support.

An independent assessment can provide a clear, objective overview of a person’s strengths, challenges, daily living needs, and the type of support required. This can be especially helpful when:

Planning care privately
Comparing support options
Preparing for future needs
Seeking clarity before approaching services
Ensuring care arrangements are tailored and person‑centred

Kind Minds with KM LTD offers independent, strengths‑based assessments that support informed decision‑making and help individuals design care arrangements that genuinely meet their needs.

b) Independent Assessment for a Second Opinion

Some individuals may disagree with the outcome of a local authority assessment and choose to seek a second opinion. An independent assessment can provide a fresh, objective perspective on a person’s care and support needs, helping to clarify areas of disagreement and ensure that the individual’s circumstances are fully understood.

Kind Minds with KM LTD offers independent, strengths‑based assessments that review the person’s needs in detail and provide clear, evidence‑based recommendations. This can be particularly valuable when:

The local authority assessment feels incomplete or inaccurate
Needs have been overlooked or minimised
The individual or family wants a more holistic, neurodiversity‑affirming approach
Additional evidence is required for care planning, advocacy, or dispute resolution

An independent second‑opinion assessment can support informed decision‑making and help ensure that care and support arrangements genuinely reflect the person’s needs.

c) Supported Self-Assessment

Some individuals may prefer to complete their own assessment with guidance. Under the Care Act 2014, a local authority must offer a supported self‑assessment if the adult is willing and able to undertake one.

A supported self‑assessment uses the same framework and materials as other needs or carer assessments, but the individual completes the assessment themselves. The local authority then ensures that the information provided is an accurate reflection of the person’s needs. This may involve consulting, with consent, relevant professionals or people who know the individual well.

Kind Minds with KM LTD can support adults through this process by offering clear guidance, strengths‑based reflection, and structured assistance to help them articulate their needs confidently and accurately.

d) Independent Assessment Instructed by the Local Authority, solicitor, or other organisations.

Kind Minds with KM LTD can also be commissioned directly by a local authority to complete a social care needs assessment for either adults or children.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to assess a person’s care and support needs whenever it appears that they may require assistance. However, due to resource pressures and systemic backlogs, many individuals experience significant delays — in some cases waiting more than six months for an initial assessment. These delays can leave people without appropriate support, clarity, or guidance, particularly when needs are urgent or complex.

An independent assessment instructed by the local authority occurs when social services commission an external, qualified social worker or agency to carry out the assessment on their behalf. This ensures that the individual receives a timely, thorough, and impartial evaluation of their needs.

Local authorities may instruct independent professionals when:

Their internal teams are overstretched or facing delays
A neutral, unbiased perspective is required (for example, in contested or complex cases)
The individual or their family has requested a second opinion

Kind Minds with KM LTD provides independent, strengths‑based assessments that offer clarity, objectivity, and detailed recommendations to support effective care and support planning.

e) Independent Assessment for Local Authority Disputes

When disagreements arise between an individual (or their family) and the local authority regarding the outcome of a social care assessment, an independent assessment can provide a clear, unbiased perspective to support the dispute process.

Kind Minds with KM LTD offers independent, strengths‑based assessments that review a person’s needs thoroughly and objectively. These assessments can help clarify areas of disagreement, highlight unmet needs, and provide evidence‑based recommendations to support fair and accurate decision‑making.

Independent assessments are particularly valuable when:

The local authority’s assessment is considered incomplete or inaccurate
Needs have been underestimated, overlooked, or misunderstood
A more holistic, neurodiversity‑affirming approach is required
Additional evidence is needed for complaints, mediation, or tribunal processes
The individual or family feels their voice has not been fully heard

An independent assessment can strengthen the evidence base in disputes, ensuring that the person’s care and support needs are accurately represented and that decisions are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of their circumstances.

f) Carer’s Assessments - The Care Act 2014.

Under the Care Act 2014, anyone who provides unpaid care for an adult has the right to a Carer’s Assessment, regardless of the amount or type of care they provide. This includes partners, parents, relatives, friends, and neighbours who offer practical or emotional support to someone with care and support needs.

A Carer’s Assessment focuses on the carer’s own needs, not just the needs of the person they support. It explores how caring affects the carer’s wellbeing, daily life, health, relationships, employment, and ability to pursue their own goals. The assessment also identifies what support, services, or adjustments may help the carer maintain their wellbeing and continue caring safely, if they choose to.

Kind Minds with KM LTD offers independent, strengths‑based Carer’s Assessments that:

Recognise the carer’s expertise, resilience, and lived experience
Explore the emotional, physical, and practical impact of caring
Identify risks, pressures, and unmet needs
Consider the carer’s own aspirations, boundaries, and support network
Provide clear, evidence‑based recommendations for support

A Carer’s Assessment can lead to support such as respite, training, emotional support, equipment, financial guidance, or practical assistance. It ensures that carers are seen, heard, and supported in their own right, in line with the Care Act’s wellbeing principles and trauma‑informed practice.

2. Social Work Assessment: – ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ (Year 9+)

a) Transition assessment for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan.

Kind Minds with KM LTD provides specialist Strengths‑Based Transition Assessments for young people aged 13/14+ who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. These assessments are aligned with the Care Act 2014, the Children and Families Act 2014, and trauma‑informed practice.

This service is specifically tailored for young people who are autistic, neurodivergent, or have mental health needs, ensuring that their transition into adulthood is planned in a way that is safe, person‑centred, and fully reflective of their strengths, aspirations, and support needs.

Preparing for Adulthood – Legal Duties from Year 9

Under Chapter 16 of the Care and Support Statutory Guidance (Care Act 2014), and Children and Family Act 2014 local authorities have clear legal duties regarding transition from children’s to adult social care. For young people with an EHC Plan:

Preparation for adulthood for children with SEND must begin from Year 9 (age 13/14)
The transition assessment should be completed as part of one of the annual statutory EHC Plan reviews
The assessment must inform a clear plan for the transition from children’s to adult care and support

b) Transition Assessment for Young Carers

Kind Minds with KM LTD provides specialist Strengths‑Based Transition Assessments for young people who are Young Carers. These assessments are aligned with the Care Act 2014 and delivered using trauma‑informed practice to ensure safety, dignity, and empowerment throughout the process.

This service is tailored for young people who provide unpaid care to a parent, sibling, or other family member.

The assessment ensures that their transition into adulthood is planned in a way that is safe, person‑centred, and fully reflective of their strengths, aspirations, and support needs.

Preparing for Adulthood – Local authorithy legal Duties for Young Carers

Young carers often face unique pressures that can affect their education, wellbeing, and future opportunities. As they approach adulthood, they have specific legal rights, and local authorities have clear duties to ensure they are supported.

Under the Care Act 2014 and the Children Act 1989, local authorities must:

Identify young carers early
Protect them from inappropriate or excessive caring responsibilities
Provide clear information about support available into adulthood
Offer a structured pathway that prioritises their wellbeing, education, and aspirations

A Young Carer’s Transition Assessment must be offered when:

It is likely the young person will continue to have support needs after turning 18, or
The young person requests one

This ensures that support does not suddenly stop at 18 and that the young carer’s own needs are fully understood and planned for.

What the Transition Assessment Explores

The nature and impact of their caring responsibilities
Whether the caring role is safe, appropriate, or excessive
The effect of caring on education, training, employment, and social participation
Emotional and physical well-being
What support is needed to reduce or prevent inappropriate caring
The young person’s strengths, goals, and aspirations for adulthood

The outcome provides a clear, evidence‑based plan for the transition to adult life, ensuring continuity of support and protecting the young carer’s right to pursue their own development, independence, and opportunities.

What the Transition Assessment Covers (Full Scope)

Abilities, interests, and aspirations
Daily living skills and independence
Social care needs under the Care Act 2014
Emotional wellbeing and mental health
Support networks and environmental factors
Barriers to participation in education, employment, and community life
The type of provision required to meet identified needs

The assessment provides detailed, evidence‑based recommendations that can be incorporated into a Child in Need plan, EHC Plan, or other relevant care plan to support a smooth, well‑planned transition into adulthood.

c) Transition Assessment for Looked‑After Children (LAC)

Kind Minds with KM LTD provides specialist Strengths‑Based Transition Assessments for Looked‑After Children (LAC) who are approaching adulthood. These assessments are aligned with the Care Act 2014, the Children Act 1989, and trauma‑informed practice, ensuring that young people in care receive a safe, supportive, and well‑planned transition into adult life.

Looked‑After Children often face additional vulnerabilities, disrupted relationships, and complex life experiences. A transition assessment ensures that their needs, aspirations, and future plans are understood holistically and that the move from children’s services to adult services is coordinated, stable, and centred on their wellbeing.

Preparing for Adulthood – Legal Duties for Looked‑After Children

Local authorities have clear statutory duties to support Looked‑After Children as they move towards adulthood. Under the Care Act 2014 and the Children Act 1989, transition planning must:

Begin early, ideally from Year 9 (age 13/14)
Be integrated with the young person’s Pathway Plan
Consider the young person’s safety, stability, and long‑term outcomes
Ensure continuity of support as they move into adult services
Reflect the responsibilities of the local authority as a corporate parent

A Transition Assessment must be offered when it appears that the young person is likely to have care and support needs after turning 18. This ensures that no young person leaves care without a clear, evidence‑based plan for their future.

What the Transition Assessment Explores for LAC

A transition assessment for Looked‑After Children considers:

Stability and suitability of current and future accommodation
Independent living skills and readiness for adulthood
Emotional wellbeing, trauma‑related needs, and mental health
Education, training, employment, and future aspirations
Trusted relationships and support networks
Risks associated with leaving care or changes in placement
The type of provision required to meet identified needs

This process ensures that the young person’s voice is central and that their transition is planned collaboratively with their social worker, Personal Advisor, carers, and other professionals.

What the Transition Assessment for Looked‑After Children Covers (Full Scope)

Abilities, interests, and aspirations
Daily living skills and independence
Social care needs under the Care Act 2014
Emotional wellbeing and mental health
Support networks and environmental factors
Barriers to participation in education, employment, and community life
The type of provision required to meet identified needs includes the accommodation type.

The assessment provides clear, evidence‑based recommendations that can be incorporated into the Pathway Plan, EHC Plan (if applicable), or other statutory planning documents to support a smooth, well‑coordinated transition into adulthood.

3. Care Needs Assessment Reports to Inform the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan and support people with Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND)

KindMindswithKM.LTD can be instructed to complete an independent care needs assessment report to inform the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. This assessment identifies a person’s care and support needs in detail and outlines the type of provision required to meet those needs, ensuring that the EHCP is accurate, comprehensive, and person‑centred.

A care needs assessment report can be requested by:

The local authority – as an independent assessment commissioned to support the EHCP process
Parents or carers – to provide additional evidence for an EHCP, strengthen Section D or H, or support SEND (EHCP) Tribunal appeals

These reports are particularly valuable when:

Needs have been overlooked or minimised in previous assessments
A holistic, neurodiversity‑affirming perspective is required
Additional evidence is needed for mediation or tribunal proceedings
Families want clarity and professional insight to ensure the EHCP reflects the child or young person’s true level of need

KindMindswithKM.LTD provides clear, strengths‑based, and evidence‑informed assessments that support fair decision‑making and help secure the right provision for individuals with SEND.

Request by Parents

SEN.HELP.ORG.UK provides many letter templates for parents to request EHC assessment as well to support the appeal process against the decisions made by the local authority.

https://www.sen-help.org.uk/other/downloads/

KindMindswithKM.LTD can share a template letter for parents, on being informed the Local Authority has agreed to undertake an EHC Needs Assessment, to tell the Local Authority the professionals they would like to be asked for a report as part of the EHC Needs Assessment as well as a reminder about Regulation 6 (1) of SEND Regs 2014, so they can inform the Local Authority which professionals the parents would like involved in the assessment.

Regulation 6(1) of the SEND Regulations 2014

Regulation 6(1) of the SEND Regulations 2014 requires the Local Authority to seek advice from a range of professionals — including educational, psychological, medical, and social care experts — and to consider the parents’ views when selecting who should contribute. The reminder reinforces the statutory duty to involve appropriate individuals and to respect parental input.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 – Information and advice to be obtained of EHC Needs Assessments:

6.—(1) Where the local authority secures an EHC needs assessment for a child or young person, it must seek the following advice and information, on the needs of the child or young person, and what provision may be required to meet such needs and the outcomes that are intended to be achieved by the child or young person receiving that provision—

(a) Advice and information from the child's parent or the young person

(b) Educational advice and information

From the head teacher or principal of the school or post-16 or other institution that the child or young person is attending

If unavailable, from a person with experience of teaching children or young people with special educational needs

If not attending any institution, from a person responsible for educational provision

If the parent is a serving member of Her Majesty's armed forces, also from the Secretary of State for Defence

(d) Psychological advice and information from an educational psychologist

(e) Advice and information in relation to social care

(f) Advice and information from any other person the local authority thinks is appropriate

(g) Advice and information in relation to preparation for adulthood and independent living (for Year 9 and above)

(h) Advice and information from any person the child's parent or young person reasonably requests that the local authority seek advice from

Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1530/regulation/6

Parents are entitled to request input from professionals who know their child well or who have specialist expertise relevant to their needs. This ensures that the assessment is thorough, accurate, and tailored to the child’s individual circumstances.

An independent assessment provided by KindMindswithKM LTD, completed by an independent social worker, can satisfy the requirements of Regulation 6(1) of the SEND Regulations 2014, which allows evidence from qualified professionals to be included as part of the EHC needs assessment process.

The First-Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) – SEND (EHCP) Tribunal Reports

The First‑Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provides an essential route for a parent, young person, or their representative to appeal the contents of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or a Statement of Special Educational Needs if you live in Wales.

Kind Minds with KM LTD can be instructed to complete an independent care needs assessment report to support and inform the EHCP process.

A care needs assessment report identifies a person’s care and support needs in detail and outlines the type of provision required to meet those needs. The report can make recommendations relating to:

Section D – Social care needs
Sections F or H – The provision required to meet those needs

This ensures that the EHCP is accurate, evidence‑based, and fully reflective of the individual’s needs.

4. Carer’s Assessment to Inform the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan

A Carer’s Assessment can play a vital role in shaping a high‑quality, holistic Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. Under the Care Act 2014, any adult who provides unpaid care for a child or young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has the right to an assessment of their own needs. This assessment focuses on the carer’s wellbeing, the impact of caring, and the support required to sustain their role safely and healthily.

When a child or young person has an EHC Plan, understanding the carer’s circumstances is essential. A Carer’s Assessment can provide valuable insight into the family’s wider needs and help ensure that the EHC Plan reflects the full context of the young person’s life.

Kind Minds with KM LTD offers independent, strengths‑based Carer’s Assessments that can be used to inform:

Section D – Social care needs relating to the child or young person
Section H1 – Social care provision under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
Section H2 – Social care provision under the Children Act 1989 or Care Act 2014

Why a Carer’s Assessment Matters for an EHCP

A Carer’s Assessment can help identify:

The impact of caring on the carer’s physical and emotional wellbeing
Pressures that may affect the child or young person’s stability, routine, or progress
Gaps in support that may be contributing to unmet needs
The level of support required to maintain safe, sustainable caring arrangements
How caring responsibilities affect the carer’s ability to work, study, or maintain their own health

This information helps ensure that the EHC Plan is holistic, realistic, and fully informed, supporting better outcomes for both the child or young person and their family.

What the Carer’s Assessment Covers

A strengths‑based Carer’s Assessment explores:

The caring role and daily responsibilities
Emotional, physical, and practical impact of caring
The carer’s wellbeing, health, and resilience
Access to support networks and community resources
Risks, pressures, and areas of unmet need
Aspirations, boundaries, and future planning
Support required to maintain or reduce caring responsibilities

The assessment provides clear, evidence‑based recommendations that can be incorporated into the EHC Plan or used to support SEND Tribunal evidence where appropriate.

How This Supports Families with SEND

A Carer’s Assessment ensures that:

The carer’s voice is recognised and valued
The family’s needs are understood in context
Support is planned in a way that promotes stability and wellbeing
The EHC Plan reflects the realities of daily life
Provision is aligned with both the child’s needs and the carer’s capacity

Kind Minds with KM LTD delivers trauma‑informed, neurodiversity‑affirming assessments that empower families and strengthen the evidence base for high‑quality EHC planning.

c) Transition Assessment for Looked‑After Children (LAC)

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Preparing for Adulthood – Legal Duties for Looked‑After Children

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What the Transition Assessment Explores for LAC

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What the Transition Assessment for Looked‑After Children Covers (Full Scope)

4. Carer’s Assessment to Inform the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan

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Why a Carer’s Assessment Matters for an EHCP

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What the Carer’s Assessment Covers

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How This Supports Families with SEND

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