RMNEF Newsletter November 2026
News and Noteworthy
Celebrating His Majesty The King’s Birthday
On 14 November, we celebrate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, Patron of the Royal Merchant Navy Education Foundation. We are honoured to have His Majesty’s patronage and are deeply grateful for his continued association with the Foundation and its work supporting the education of children and young people from seafaring families. On behalf of our Trustees, staff and beneficiaries, we extend our warmest good wishes to His Majesty on this special occasion.
Remembrance Sunday
On Remembrance Sunday, we were honoured to have one of our young beneficiaries lay a wreath on behalf of the Royal Merchant Navy Education Foundation at the Merchant Navy Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, London. It was a poignant occasion to remember and pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in service at sea.
Improving Safety at Sea for Fishing Communities
The safety and wellbeing of those working in the UK fishing industry remains an important priority. In October, Seafish announced a new series of Man Overboard Awareness training events, designed to help fishermen understand the risks of falling overboard and improve their chances of survival in an emergency.
The free sessions, taking place across the UK into 2027, provide practical experience of a simulated man overboard situation in controlled conditions. Financial assistance towards travel and lost earnings is also available, helping fishermen access this potentially lifesaving training.
The announcement is a timely reminder of the challenges and risks faced by those who make their living at sea, and the importance of supporting the families who depend on them.
https://www.seafish.org/about-us/news-blogs/seafish-announces-next-run-of-man-overboard-awareness-events/
Record Fundraising for Seafaring Families
The Sailors’ Children’s Society has celebrated its most successful Sports Lunch Hull to date, raising an impressive £108,893 after costs. The event brought together businesses and supporters from across the region, with former England rugby player Matt Dawson MBE as guest speaker. The funds will help the charity continue providing financial assistance, essential clothing, respite opportunities and family support to children from seafaring backgrounds facing difficult circumstances.
We always value the opportunity to work alongside the Sailors’ Children’s Society, sharing a common commitment to supporting children and young people from seafaring families. It is wonderful to see their continued success and the difference they make to so many families. https://sailorschildren.org.uk/news/record-breaking-sports-lunch-hull-raises-108893-for-sailors-childrens-society/
Spotlight
Seeking Answers – Navigating Educational and Specialist Assessments
Every child learns differently, but when difficulties with learning, concentration or communication persist, parents may begin to wonder whether their child needs specialist support. For families concerned about autism, ADHD or other additional learning needs, an assessment can provide valuable answers. However, lengthy waiting times for publicly funded services can leave parents considering whether to seek an independent assessment.
Understanding the need for an assessment
Across the UK, terminology differs. In England, additional educational needs are commonly referred to as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), in Wales as Additional Learning Needs (ALN), in Scotland as Additional Support Needs (ASN), and in Northern Ireland as Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Persistent difficulties with reading, writing, concentration, communication or classroom activities may be associated with dyslexia, autism, ADHD or other learning and developmental differences. An appropriate assessment can help identify a child’s strengths and difficulties, recommend suitable support and, where relevant, establish a diagnosis.
Understanding the different types of assessment
Not all assessments serve the same purpose. Educational psychology assessments explore how a child learns and identify factors affecting their educational progress. They may consider memory, attention, communication and emotional wellbeing, with recommendations for schools and families.
Autism assessments investigate whether a child meets the diagnostic criteria for autism, considering their development, communication and behaviour across different settings. ADHD assessments examine patterns of attention, activity and impulsivity and how these affect everyday life and education. They must be undertaken by appropriately qualified specialists.An educational psychology assessment is not the same as an autism or ADHD diagnostic assessment. Establishing which is needed can help families avoid unnecessary expense.
Exploring Your Options: Where to Start
Before considering an independent assessment, parents should speak to their child’s school to establish what support and assessment pathways may already be available. In England, the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO or SENDCo) is a useful first point of contact, alongside the class teacher. Schools elsewhere in the UK have equivalent staff responsible for coordinating additional learning support.
Together, parents and teachers can review the difficulties identified, what support has already been tried and whether further specialist advice is appropriate. Schools may be able to access educational psychologists or other specialist services, while GPs can advise on NHS referral pathways for autism and ADHD. In England, eligible patients may also be able to use the NHS Right to Choose pathway to access certain assessments through an alternative NHS-contracted provider. Availability and follow-up arrangements vary, so families should discuss this option with their GP. Different arrangements apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Exploring these options first can help families identify the most appropriate route, avoid unnecessary costs and make informed decisions about independent assessments. Importantly, children do not need a formal diagnosis before receiving additional educational support at school, and schools can play a valuable role in contributing to assessments and implementing recommendations afterwards.
The challenge of waiting
Demand for autism and ADHD assessments has placed considerable pressure on services, with waiting times varying across the country.
For families whose child’s education and confidence are already being affected, these delays can be particularly difficult. Some therefore consider independent assessments to access specialist advice sooner. However, private assessments can be costly, making it important to understand which assessment is appropriate and what other options may be available.
Choosing an independent assessment provider
If an independent assessment is appropriate, choosing a reputable provider is essential. Before committing to costs, parents should consider:
Professional qualifications: Are the professionals appropriately qualified and registered? Educational psychologists should be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), while autism and ADHD assessments require suitably qualified specialists.
Assessment standards: Does the provider follow relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance for autism or ADHD assessments and gather information from appropriate sources?
The written report: Will it clearly explain the findings and provide practical recommendations for supporting the child’s education?
School involvement: Will the provider seek information from the school, and can its recommendations be discussed and implemented there?
Follow-up support: Does the fee include feedback and advice, or are further appointments charged separately?
Ongoing healthcare: If ADHD medication is recommended, what arrangements are available for prescribing and follow-up? A private diagnosis does not automatically guarantee NHS prescribing.
Discussing the proposed assessment with the school and GP beforehand can help ensure it is appropriate and that its findings can inform future support.
Making a Difference: From Assessment to Additional Support
At the RMNEF, we have seen how a specialist assessment can make a meaningful difference. One young beneficiary received a grant towards an assessment to investigate their additional educational needs. Following the assessment, the child was able to access further support at school, helping ensure their needs were better understood and addressed. For this family, the Foundation’s assistance provided more than an assessment; it helped open the door to additional educational support.
How can the RMNEF help?
The RMNEF recognises that lengthy waits for specialist assessments can be particularly challenging for families experiencing financial difficulties.
For eligible children and young people from Merchant Navy, professional sea-going fishing, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and RNLI lifeboat families, the Foundation may be able to consider financial assistance towards:
• Educational psychology assessments.
• Specialist autism and ADHD assessments, where appropriate.
• Targeted tutoring and additional educational support.
• Specialist learning equipment and educational resources.
Each application is considered individually, taking account of the child’s educational needs, the family’s financial circumstances and other available sources of support. Families considering an independent assessment are encouraged to contact the Foundation before making arrangements or committing to costs, as grants cannot be backdated.
Dates for the Diary
- 8 November – Remembrance Sunday
- 13 November – BBC Children in Need
- 14 November – His Majesty The King’s Birthday
- 16–20 November – Anti-Bullying Week
- 19 November – International Men’s Day
- 20 November – World Children’s Day
