EHC Needs Assessments & Plans

What is an EHC needs assessment?

An Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment is a detailed assessment carried out by the local authority to determine whether a child or young person needs an EHC plan.

The assessment gathers advice from educational, health, and social care professionals, as well as from you and your child. It looks at your child's needs, the support they are already receiving, and whether that support is enough.

Who can request one?

A request for an EHC needs assessment can be made by:

• A parent or carer — you can apply directly to the local authority.
• A school or setting — with your knowledge and agreement.
• A young person themselves — if they are over 16 and have the capacity to do so.

Do you need a diagnosis?

You do not need a professional to request an assessment for you, and you do not need a formal diagnosis to be eligible. The local authority must assess if your child may have SEN and may need support through an EHC plan.

The process and timescales

The local authority must decide within 6 weeks whether to carry out the assessment. If they decide to assess, the whole process — from request to final plan — should take no more than 20 weeks.

If the local authority decides not to assess, or decides not to issue a plan, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

What an EHC plan contains

An EHC plan is a legally binding document that includes:

• Your child's views, interests, and aspirations.
• A description of your child's special educational needs.
• The special educational provision the local authority must arrange.
• The type of school or setting your child will attend.
• Any health and social care provision that supports them.
• Outcomes your child is working towards, and a review date.