How to request an EHC needs assessment in England

Start with your child's needs

You can begin exploring SEND support without waiting for a diagnosis. Describe your child's strengths, what is difficult day to day and the support already tried by their setting or school.

A written EHC needs assessment request to the local authority can explain why you think additional assessment may be required. Add recent reports and examples where available.

Understand the timetable

For an initial request, the local authority generally has six weeks to decide whether to assess. Where an assessment takes place, a refusal to issue an EHC plan is generally notified by week 16 from the request. If a plan is to be made, the final plan is generally due within 20 weeks of the initial request.

The legislation contains exceptions to some timescales. These are standard milestones, not an automatic finding that a particular authority has acted unlawfully.

Keep your own action log

Record when the authority received your request and retain each written decision. Ask what educational support will be available during the process and who is responsible for follow-up.

If the authority declines an assessment or a plan, check the decision notice for appeal and mediation information and consider independent SEND advice.

Questions worth asking

• Which evidence and school records have been considered?
• What support will continue while the request is considered?
• What is the date and responsible team for the next written decision?