Nessie Referrals

Follow the link below to make a referral to NESSie.

Local Authority Service Request Form

This form should be used for all referrals to the local authority SEND teams

Referrals for Special School outreach support

The referral process for Special School Outreach has changed.  Schools should now complete the local authority Service Request form and send it to HCC.

Updates to the Neurodiversity referral service (0-15)

From 1 June 2026, a number of updates to the Hertfordshire NHS CYP Neurodiversity Referral Service will come into effect.

From 1 June 2026, old referral forms (forms with a version date prior to Dec 2024) will no longer be accepted. The most up-to-date forms are available on the Local Offer pages and must be used for all new referrals.

Where families have completed older referral forms relating to family history and observations of their child’s behaviour and home life, we will not be asking for them to be redone. However, for all new referrals, please complete the new style forms found on the Local Offer.

School-initiated ADHD referrals (age 5+)
In some circumstances, schools may initiate ADHD referrals for children aged 5+. This applies when your child or young person has:

• no co-occurring medical conditions or comorbidities
• no significant mental health concerns
• and no safeguarding concerns

Schools should access the relevant referral initiation form via the Grid  

Under 5s — referral guidance
From 1 June, Children under 5 with suspected autism can be referred through the service.
Children under 5 with suspected ADHD will not be accepted and should continue to be referred to their local Health Visitor team, as ADHD cannot be reliably diagnosed at this age.

Referrals for medication only requests:
Referrals for medication-only requests will not be accepted by the Service.  This applies to children who have had an assessment privately, through 'right to choose', or who have received an assessment outside of Hertfordshire.

Please contact the Neurodiversity Support Hub for advice and strategies to support your child. You do not need a diagnosis for this service.

Please Note: A diagnosis is not required for children and young people to receive support in school. Schools should continue to identify needs early and provide appropriate SEN Support.

Referrals for Speech and Language Therapy

Referrals for Sensory Processing Service