How to Get an EHCP for Your Child

A practical, parent-friendly guide to requesting an Education, Health and Care Plan, including timelines, your legal rights, and how to gather the evidence you need.

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What Is an EHCP and Who Is It For?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that sets out a child or young person's special educational needs and the support that must be provided to meet them. EHCPs replaced the old system of Statements of Special Educational Needs in 2014, when the Children and Families Act came into force.

EHCPs are for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) that cannot be met through the support normally available in a mainstream school or setting. The plan covers education, health, and social care needs in a single document, which is intended to give a more joined-up picture of the child's requirements.

It is worth knowing that an EHCP is legally binding on the local authority. This means that once the plan names specific provision, the local authority has a duty to arrange and fund that support. This is one of the key reasons many families seek an EHCP: it provides a level of security and accountability that SEN Support alone does not offer.

Not every child with SEND will need an EHCP. Many children receive effective support through the graduated approach at SEN Support level, which is described in Chapter 6 of the SEND Code of Practice 2015. However, if your child's needs are significant and the school-based support is not leading to progress, requesting an EHC needs assessment may be a helpful next step.

How to Request an EHC Needs Assessment

Anyone can ask a local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment. Most requests come from parents or carers, but schools, health professionals, and young people over 16 can also make the request. You do not need the school's permission, and you do not need a formal diagnosis.

To make a request, you can write a letter or email to your local authority's SEND team. There is no official form that you are required to use, although some local authorities provide their own request forms. In your letter, it can be helpful to explain your child's needs, describe the support that has already been tried, and outline why you believe an assessment is necessary.

Gathering evidence to support your request can strengthen your case. This might include school reports, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), reports from professionals such as speech and language therapists or educational psychologists, medical letters, and your own observations as a parent. The SEND Code of Practice 2015 (Chapter 9) makes clear that the views and experiences of parents are an important part of the assessment process.

Once the local authority receives your request, it has six weeks to decide whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment. If it refuses, it must write to you explaining the reasons and informing you of your right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Organisations such as IPSEA and SOS!SEN offer free advice and support if you find yourself in this position.

The EHC Needs Assessment Process

If the local authority agrees to assess your child, the EHC needs assessment process begins. This is not the same as receiving an EHCP — the assessment gathers information to help the local authority decide whether a plan is needed.

During the assessment, the local authority will seek advice and information from a range of professionals. This typically includes an educational psychologist, your child's school or setting, health services, social care, and any other professionals involved with your child. You will also be asked to contribute your own views, and your child's views should be sought in an age-appropriate way.

The whole process, from the initial request to the final EHCP being issued, should take no longer than 20 weeks according to the statutory timescales set out in the SEND Code of Practice 2015. In practice, some local authorities take longer, but it is worth being aware of the legal timeframe so you can follow up if there are delays.

At the end of the assessment, the local authority will either issue a draft EHCP or decide not to issue a plan. If a draft plan is issued, you have 15 calendar days to review it and request changes. You also have the right to express a preference for the school or setting named in the plan. If the local authority decides not to issue a plan, you have the right to appeal that decision to the SEND Tribunal.

Your Rights Throughout the Process

The Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 set out a number of important rights for parents and young people during the EHCP process. Understanding these rights can help you feel more confident about navigating the system.

You have the right to request an EHC needs assessment at any time if you believe your child may need one. You have the right to be involved in the assessment and to contribute your views and evidence. You have the right to express a preference for a particular school or type of school. You have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal if the local authority refuses to assess, refuses to issue a plan, or if you disagree with the content of the plan.

Local authorities also have a duty to provide information, advice and support services (often called SENDIASS or the local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service). These services are free, confidential, and impartial, and they can help you understand the process and prepare for meetings or appeals.

Organisations such as IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice), SOS!SEN, and the Council for Disabled Children also provide valuable guidance and support. Some families find it helpful to involve an independent supporter or advocate, particularly if they are considering an appeal.

Practical Tips for a Stronger Request

While there is no guarantee that a request will lead to an assessment, there are steps that some families have found helpful when preparing their case.

Keeping a record of your child's difficulties and the impact on their learning can be very useful. This might be a diary of incidents, examples of work, or notes from conversations with teachers. Photographs or short video clips showing specific challenges can sometimes illustrate needs more clearly than written descriptions alone.

It can also be helpful to request copies of any assessments or reports that the school holds. Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to access your child's educational records. Having these documents to hand means you can reference specific evidence in your request letter.

If your child has been seen by external professionals — such as a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, or paediatrician — including their reports or letters can add weight to your request. If your child has not yet been assessed by any professionals, you may want to consider whether a private assessment could help to clarify their needs and provide evidence for your request.

How ChildWize Can Help

Navigating the EHCP process can feel daunting, and many parents tell us they wish they had known where to turn for support sooner. ChildWize connects families with experienced SEND specialists who can help at every stage of the process.

Our educational support specialists can help you understand whether an EHCP request might be appropriate for your child, and can advise on what evidence to gather. If your child needs a professional assessment — for example, from an educational psychologist, speech and language therapist, or occupational therapist — you can book directly through ChildWize without the lengthy NHS waiting times.

The reports produced by our specialists are designed to be clear, detailed, and suitable for submission as part of an EHC needs assessment. Many families have found that having independent professional evidence alongside school-based information strengthens their request.

You can browse our specialists by area of expertise, read reviews from other parents, and book a session at a time that suits your family. All sessions take place online, so there is no need to take time off work or arrange childcare for siblings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request an EHCP without the school agreeing?

Yes. Under the Children and Families Act 2014, parents and carers have the right to request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority. You do not need the school to agree or to make the request on your behalf, although having school support can be helpful.

How long does it take to get an EHCP?

The statutory timescale is 20 weeks from the initial request to the final EHCP being issued. This includes 6 weeks for the local authority to decide whether to assess, and then 14 weeks for the assessment and drafting of the plan. Some local authorities may take longer, so it can be worth following up regularly.

What if the local authority refuses to assess my child?

If the local authority decides not to carry out an EHC needs assessment, it must write to you explaining the reasons. You have the right to appeal this decision to the SEND Tribunal. Free advice is available from IPSEA and SOS!SEN to help you understand your options.

Does my child need a diagnosis to get an EHCP?

No. An EHCP is based on a child’s needs, not on a specific diagnosis. The SEND Code of Practice 2015 is clear that a medical diagnosis does not automatically mean a child needs an EHCP, and equally, a child without a formal diagnosis can still qualify for one if their needs are significant enough.

Can a private assessment help with an EHCP application?

Many families find that independent professional reports can provide valuable evidence to support their request. Local authorities are required to consider evidence from private assessments alongside information from the school and other sources. ChildWize specialists produce reports designed to be used in EHC needs assessments.

Related Guides

The EHCP Process Explained

A plain-language overview of the Education, Health and Care Plan process, from the initial request right through to annual reviews and amendments.

How to Request a School-Based Assessment

A step-by-step guide to asking your child’s school to assess their needs, including the role of the SENCO and what happens during the graduated approach.

Understanding the SEND Code of Practice

A parent-friendly guide to the key principles, rights, and processes set out in the SEND Code of Practice 2015, and what they mean for your child.

Need Expert Support?

ChildWize connects you with qualified SEND specialists who can provide assessments, reports, and ongoing support for your child.