How to Get Paediatric Dietetics Support for Your Child Faster: NHS, Private, and EHCP Explained

If your child has feeding difficulties, restricted eating, faltering growth, or complex nutritional needs, getting the right support quickly can feel like a full-time job. Here is a clear guide to every route available to UK families.

The NHS Route

Your first port of call is usually your GP, health visitor, or paediatrician, who can make a referral to your local NHS paediatric dietetics service. NHS dietitians are well trained and offer a full range of services, but demand far outstrips capacity in most areas. Waiting times of six months to two years are not uncommon, particularly for feeding difficulties without a clear acute medical component.

If your child’s need is urgent — for example, they are losing weight or are at nutritional risk — ask your GP to mark the referral as urgent and request confirmation of the expected waiting time in writing.

Going Private

You do not need a GP referral to see a private paediatric dietitian. You can book directly, usually within two to four weeks. Private dietitians are HCPC-registered and held to the same professional standards as NHS colleagues. The main difference is speed and, in some cases, the amount of time available per appointment.

When choosing a private dietitian, look for someone who specialises in paediatrics and has experience with your child’s specific difficulty — whether that is ARFID, complex allergies, tube feeding, or autism-related selective eating. The SEND List verifies HCPC registration before any practitioner goes live on the site.

The EHCP Route

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or is in the process of applying for one, dietetics may be included as a provision if it relates to an educational need. For example, a child whose restricted eating is causing nutritional deficiency that affects their ability to concentrate or attend school may be entitled to dietetics support funded by the local authority.

If dietetics is listed in your child’s EHCP but is not being provided, you are entitled to request an alternative arrangement. A private dietitian can sometimes be commissioned directly by the local authority to fulfil this provision.

If you are at the application stage, a report from a private paediatric dietitian can be submitted as evidence during the Education, Health and Care needs assessment. Well-evidenced reports from specialists carry significant weight with local authority decision-makers and at SEND tribunal.

Charitable and Low-Cost Options

Some charitable organisations and NHS integrated care boards run community dietetics clinics or offer funded assessments for families who cannot afford private fees. It is worth asking your GP or local SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service) whether any funded or subsidised options are available in your area.

Finding the Right Support

Whatever route you take, the most important thing is that your child’s nutritional and feeding needs are properly assessed and addressed. Use The SEND List to find a verified paediatric dietitian near you who can give your family the specialist support you need.