What happens after requesting an EHCP Needs Assessment?

The Local Authority has 6 weeks after an application for an Education, Health, Care Plan Needs Assessment (EHCNA) to decide on whether it is thought your child should have a needs assessment. The process officially starts on the day the local authority receives the application.

Gathering information

During these 6 weeks, the local authority will gather information about your child. This will include:

• Reports from early years settings, school, college.
• Details of what SEN support is already in place.
• Progress and attainments.
• Advice from professionals already involved.

You and your child’s views

You will be contacted for your views and it is important for you to share as much information as you can about your child.

You can find example templates here on Your Views and Your Child’s Views.

Some parents find it helpful to have some headings to get them started though.

You could think about the different areas of special educational need:

• Cognition and learning
• Communication and interaction
• Sensory and physical
• Social, emotional and mental health

Decision making in Plymouth

The decision to agree to an EHCNA considers whether your child may have special educational needs and whether they may need an education, health and care plan to meet these needs.

In Plymouth the decision is made at a panel called the Decision-Making Panel.

There are 2 possible outcomes:

1. The Local Authority agree to assess. They will write to you confirming this decision and begin collecting more detailed information.
2. The Local Authority refuse to assess. They must send you a letter explaining why the decision was made. The letter will tell you about your right to appeal this decision.

If the request was refused you have the right to:

• Consider mediation
• Appeal to the SEND tribunal.

PIASS is able to support you with these processes.

The education needs assessment process (weeks 6-16 weeks)

If the Local Authority agrees to assess, they will gather further advice from relevant professionals and you will be asked to share your views, wishes and feelings.

Resources

Download this page as a factsheet.

• What Happens After Requesting an EHCP Needs Assessment (PDF – 198KB)