Tips for requesting an
EHCP
Our ten top tops when requesting
for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
1. Know Your Rights
Parents and carers have the legal right to request an EHCP assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014. You do not need to wait for the school to do it.
2. Gather Evidence
Collect reports from teachers, SENCOs, medical professionals, therapists, and anyone else involved in your child’s support. The more evidence, the stronger your case.
3. Keep a Record
Document everything, including emails, letters, meeting notes, and reports. This will help if you need to challenge a decision.
4. Be Clear About Needs
Describe your child’s difficulties in detail, including how they impact their learning, social interactions, and daily life.
5. Highlight What’s Not Working
Explain why the current school support (SEN Support) is not meeting your child’s needs and why an EHCP is necessary.
6. Use Professional Language
Where possible, refer to terms used in professional reports (e.g., “sensory processing difficulties,” “significant speech delay”).
7. Request in Writing
Submit your EHCP request in a formal letter or email to your local authority’s SEND department. Clearly state that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014.
8. Set Deadlines
The local authority has six weeks to decide whether to assess your child, so keep track of timelines and follow up if necessary.
9. Ask for Support
Seek advice from SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service), an advocacy service, or parent support groups like us! Emily, Ashlie and all the SENkind community are your village. Many of us have gone through this process either by applying as a parent referral or via school/nursery. Our inbox is always open.
10. Be Persistent
If your request is refused, you can appeal. Many initial refusals are overturned at the appeal stage.
Template Letter for Requesting a
an EHCP
Here’s a template letter you can use for an Education, Health, and Care Assessment Request (EHCAR) from your local authority. You can personalise it with your child’s details and specific needs.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
SEND Department
[Local Authority Name]
[Local Authority Address]
[City, Postcode]
Subject: Education, Health, and Care Assessment Request (EHCAR) for [Child’s Name]
Dear [SEND Department or Named Officer],
I am writing to formally request an Education, Health, and Care Assessment for my child, [Child’s Full Name], under Section 36(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014. [Child’s Name] is [age] years old and currently attends [School Name] in [Year Group].
I believe that [Child’s Name] has special educational needs that require additional support beyond what is currently available through SEN Support. Their difficulties include [briefly describe your child’s main challenges, e.g., communication difficulties, sensory needs, learning delays].
Reasons for EHCAR:
- Educational Needs: [Explain how your child struggles in school, including any specific learning difficulties, challenges with communication, or unmet academic needs.]
- Health and Care Needs: [Include any medical, speech and language, occupational therapy, or mental health concerns relevant to your child’s education.]
- Current Support and Limitations: [Describe the support already in place, why it is insufficient, and any difficulties accessing appropriate resources.]
I have attached copies of supporting evidence from [list any professionals who have assessed or worked with your child, e.g., SENCO, educational psychologist, speech therapist, paediatrician].
Under the law, the local authority must consider this request and respond within six weeks. I would appreciate written confirmation of receipt of this request and details of the next steps.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
“Until you have a child with additional needs, you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness”
