What is an EHCP?

A document that describes a child or young person’s needs and the support required to meet them. It replaced the old statements system and is used in England (with different systems in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

An EHCP is designed to:

• Clearly identify a child’s individual needs

• Secure specialist support such as therapies, 1:1 help, or a specialist school placement

• Bring education, health and social care agencies together

If your child needs more help than a school can normally offer through SEN Support, an EHCP can unlock the resources needed to make inclusion possible.

Step 1: Asking for an Assessment

You do not need the school’s permission to request an EHCP needs assessment.

Anyone with parental responsibility — or young people aged 16+ — can apply directly to the local authority (LA).

How to start:

1. Email your council’s SEND team requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment under section 36(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014.

2. Attach any evidence you have: reports, diagnosis letters, Individual Education Plans, or examples of unmet needs.

3. The LA must respond within six weeks to confirm whether they will assess.

You can find helpful letter templates on IPSEA and Contact.

Step 2: During the Assessment

If the LA agrees to assess, they’ll gather professional reports from:

• Your child’s school or setting

• An educational psychologist

• Health professionals involved

• Social care (if relevant)

You can submit your own evidence too — for example, therapy reports or notes about your child’s challenges and strengths.

Tip: Keep a simple log of dates, conversations and follow-ups. It’s extremely helpful if you need to chase information or appeal later.

Step 3: Reviewing the Draft Plan

Within 16 weeks of your initial request, you should receive a draft EHCP. Review each section carefully:

• Section B – Needs: these should be specific and detailed.

• Section F – Provision: support must be clear and measurable (e.g. “30 minutes of daily speech therapy”).

• Section I – Placement: you can state your preferred school.

You have 15 days to comment or request changes. If anything is vague, missing or incorrect, respond in writing.

Step 4: When the Plan Is Finalised

The final EHCP should be issued within 20 weeks of your request, although this can sometimes take longer. We would encourage you to contact your assigned case worker for an update if this is the case. You’ll also receive information about your appeal rights.

If you disagree with the content or school named:

• Ask for an informal discussion first

• If needed, appeal to the SEND Tribunal within two months

Free support is available from SENDIASS, IPSEA and SOS!SEN.

Common Pitfalls — and How to Avoid Them

• Slipped deadlines: diarise key dates and follow up politely.

• Vague wording: insist that support is specific and measurable.

• Missing evidence: chase professionals directly for written input.

• Feeling pressured by school: remember the LA is responsible for the plan, not the school.

Annual Reviews

Every EHCP must be reviewed at least once a year. Before your review meeting, gather:

• School reports and therapy updates

• Your own notes about what is and isn’t working

• Any new assessments or medical information

If your child’s needs have changed — for example due to development, anxiety or medical changes — you can ask for amendments.

If Your Request Is Refused

If the LA refuses either an assessment or to issue an EHCP:

1. Ask for the reasons in writing

2. Request an informal meeting to discuss the decision

3. If needed, appeal via the SEND Tribunal

Mediation before a tribunal is optional but encouraged. Little Miracles can help guide you through this process and advise you of next steps.

Helpful Resources

• GOV.UK – EHCP guidance

• Citizens Advice – Education

• IPSEA – Model letters and tribunal guides

• Contact – Education support

• Your local SENDIASS service (listed on your council’s website)

Mini Checklist: Before Any EHCP Meeting

• Re-read the current plan

• List what’s gone well and what hasn’t

• Gather reports and evidence

• Clarify your priorities for the year ahead

• Ask your child or young person for their views

What You Can Do Next

• Check the review date on your EHCP and make a note of it

• Download helpful model letters from IPSEA

• Contact your local SENDIASS for guidance

• Gather recent reports from school and health professionals

• If you’re mid-assessment, set reminders for legal deadlines

Final Thoughts

Navigating the EHCP process can feel like a full-time job — but you don’t have to manage it alone. With clear evidence, good preparation, and support from trusted organisations, the journey becomes much less overwhelming.

Most importantly, remember: you hold the deepest understanding of your child. That lived knowledge is at the heart of every strong EHCP.

If you need help with paperwork, meetings, or simply someone to talk things through, our Little Miracles Family Support Team is here for you. We also offer counselling, sibling groups, inclusive play sessions and holiday activities across Cambridgeshire and the surrounding counties.

Get in touch by completing a Family Support referral form, emailing familysupport@littlemiraclescharity.org.uk or calling 017333 262226.