By Rebecca Harrison

Applying for an EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) involves asking your local council to

assess your child’s needs. Here’s how it works in simple terms:

1. Where to Apply for an EHCP

You need to contact your local authority’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and

Disabilities) team.

● You can find their contact information on your local council’s website.

● The request is called an EHCP Needs Assessment request.

2. Who Can Apply for an EHCP?

● Parents or carers can apply.

● Young people aged 16-25 can apply for themselves.

● Schools or nurseries can apply on behalf of a child if they think extra support is needed.

3. Evidence Needed for an EHCP Application

You’ll need to provide information about:

1. The child’s needs: What they struggle with, e.g., learning, communication, physical

disabilities, or behavior.

2. What support they’ve already had: Details of what the school or nursery has done to

help, like extra teaching or one-to-one support.

3. Professional reports:

○ Assessments or reports from teachers, doctors, speech therapists, psychologists,

etc.

○ Evidence of how the child’s condition impacts their ability to learn or function at

school.

If you don’t have all the reports, don’t worry—the local authority can gather additional evidence

during the assessment.4. What Happens After You Apply?

● Step 1: Local Authority Decision (Within 6 Weeks)

The local authority decides whether to assess your child for an EHCP . They may contact

the school, healthcare providers, and others for input.

● Step 2: Full Assessment (Up to 16 Weeks)

If agreed, the local authority will collect detailed information about your child’s needs

from professionals and write a draft EHCP .

● Step 3: Final Plan (Within 20 Weeks)

If the EHCP is approved, you’ll receive a final version that outlines all the support your

child will get.

5. What Are the Wait Times?

● The entire process should take 20 weeks from the time you apply.

● However, delays can happen, so it’s important to follow up regularly with the local

authority.

6. What If the Local Authority Says No?

If your request for an EHCP assessment is refused or the support in the plan isn’t enough:

● Appeal: You can appeal the decision to a tribunal.

● Mediation: This is a meeting with the local authority to try and reach an agreement

without going to court. Mediation is free and often faster than a tribunal.

7. How Does the Local Authority Handle EHCP Requests?

● Review the Application: The SEND team reviews the request and decides if the child’s

needs warrant an assessment.

● Coordinate Professionals: They gather input from schools, health services, and other

specialists.

● Draft the Plan: If the assessment confirms the child needs extra help, they create a draft

EHCP .

● Consult Schools: They talk to potential schools or settings to ensure they can provide

the required support.