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Navigating EHCP Assessments: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

EHCP Assessment Process UK

Step-by-Step: Understanding the EHCP Assessment Process UK

The EHCP assessment process in the UK can feel overwhelming for many parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines the extra support your child needs across education, health, and care. Despite delays—only 51% of EHCPs were issued within 20 weeks in 2023—understanding the process can make a big difference. This guide walks you through the EHCP assessment process UK, step by step. The process involves multiple steps, paperwork, and often long waits – in fact, a 2023 analysis by Special Needs Jungle reported that only 51% of EHCPs were issued within the 20-week timeframe, leaving many families facing delays. Despite these challenges, an EHCP can significantly improve your child’s support at school, so it’s well worth pursuing. This guide will walk you through each step of the EHCP assessment process with practical tips and an empathetic perspective.

Step 1: Requesting an EHCP Assessment

The first step is to formally request an Education, Health, and Care needs assessment for your child. In the UK, parents have the right to ask their Local Authority (LA) to carry out an EHCP assessment if they believe their child needs more help than the school can provide. You can initiate this process either through your child’s school (by speaking with the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, or SENCO) or by contacting your LA’s SEND department directly in writing. In your request, briefly describe your child’s needs and why you feel an assessment is necessary. It helps to document your child’s difficulties and any interventions already tried – for example, note areas where your child isn’t making expected progress even with support. Include any relevant evidence (we’ll cover gathering evidence in the next step) to strengthen your case. Once the request is submitted, the LA has up to 6 weeks to inform you whether they will proceed with a formal assessment. During this time, stay in communication with the school and LA, and be prepared to provide additional information if asked. (For more details on rights and the process, see the official government guidance on EHC assessments.)

Step 2: Preparing for the Assessment

If the LA agrees to assess your child, you will need to gather and organise evidence of your child’s needs. This preparation is key to a successful EHCP assessment. Begin by collecting all relevant documents, such as:

  • School reports and records – e.g. report cards, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), progress reviews, or any incident logs that demonstrate your child’s challenges in school.

  • Professional assessments or medical records – this can include diagnosis letters (for example, for autism or ADHD), reports from an educational psychologist, speech and language therapist, paediatrician, or any specialist who has seen your child.

  • Your own notes and the child’s views – write a parent statement describing your child’s strengths, needs, and what support you think would help. Include real examples (like “struggles to work in a noisy classroom” or “gets anxious during transitions”). If appropriate, gather your child’s views about what they find hard or what goals they want to achieve.

Organise this evidence in a folder or electronically so it’s easy to reference. Typically, the local authority will ask for school records, medical or therapist reports, and a letter from you about your child’s needs – so having these ready will make the process smoother. It can also be helpful to keep a timeline of key events (for instance, when issues were first noticed, meetings with the school, etc.). Being prepared not only ensures the assessors get a complete picture of your child, but it also gives you confidence going into the next phase.

Step 3: Attending the EHCP Meeting – How to Prepare and What to Expect

After the information gathering, you will typically be invited to a meeting (sometimes called a planning meeting or assessment meeting) to discuss the findings and draft the EHCP. Knowing how to prepare for an EHCP meeting can help you feel more confident and get the best outcome for your child. Here are some strategies for the meeting day:

  • Review your notes and set priorities: Before the meeting, review all the reports and your own notes. Make a short list of your top priorities or goals for your child – for example, improved reading ability, better social communication, or specific support like speech therapy. Prioritising your goals ensures you communicate what matters most for your child’s progress.

  • Bring support if needed: It’s okay (and often helpful) to bring someone with you to the EHCP meeting. A supportive friend, family member, or an independent parent advocate can provide moral support and help you remember important points. Let the meeting organiser know in advance if someone will join you. Having another person there can also help take notes or prompt you if you forget to mention something in the moment.

  • Communicate and ask questions: During the meeting, remember that you know your child best. Don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t sound right or if jargon is used that you don’t understand. It’s okay to ask questions like “Can you clarify what that support will look like day-to-day?” or “How will we measure progress on this goal?”. Make sure each of your child’s significant needs is discussed and that the proposed support makes sense to you.

  • Stay focused and calm: Emotions can run high when discussing your child’s challenges, but try to stay focused on solutions. If you disagree with something, express your concerns calmly and refer back to your evidence or experiences (“For example, in the classroom, this is what happens…”). The meeting should be a collaborative discussion aimed at helping your child.

By preparing in advance and actively participating, you can help ensure the draft EHCP truly reflects your child’s needs and sets the right targets. Before you leave the meeting, confirm the next steps and timeline (for instance, when you will receive the draft plan for review).

Step 4: After the Assessment – Next Steps and Your Options

Once the assessment process is complete, the local authority will decide whether to issue an EHCP for your child. If an EHCP is going to be issued, you will receive a draft plan to review. At this stage, take time to go through the draft carefully. Check that:

  • All of your child’s needs (educational, health, and care) are accurately described in the plan. If something important is missing, note it.

  • The provisions (support and services) listed in the plan are specific and sufficient to meet each need. For example, if your child needs speech therapy, the plan should specify how often and who will provide it.

  • The outcomes or goals for your child are clear and in line with your aspirations (e.g. improved reading level, better social skills, etc.).

You typically have 15 days to submit your comments or any requests for changes to the draft. This is also the time to request a particular school or college to be named in the plan (if you have a preference), such as a special school or a mainstream school with certain support – the LA must consider your choice. Don’t be afraid to advocate for edits; the EHCP should be as detailed and accurate as possible. After feedback, the LA will issue a final EHCP (the whole process from request to final plan should take no more than 20 weeks by law, though delays are common).

If the LA decides not to issue an EHCP (for example, they conclude your child’s needs can be met without a plan), or if you’re unhappy with aspects of the final EHCP (like the support provided or the school named), you have the right to challenge the decision. First, you can discuss your concerns with the local authority and engage in mediation – sometimes disagreements can be resolved informally. If not, you can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal, an independent body that will review the case. The government’s guidelines make it clear that parents can appeal decisions on refusals to assess, refusals to issue a plan, or the contents of the plan. While the appeal process can be another hurdle, many parents do successfully challenge decisions – and remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. You can seek support from SEND charities or local SEND Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) if needed.

Finally, once your child has an EHCP in place, keep in mind it will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date with your child’s needs. Stay engaged with your child’s teachers and the SENCO to monitor progress. The EHCP journey may be complex, but at the end of it, you should have a tailored plan that can make a real difference in your child’s education and development.

How Tutoring Supports the EHCP Assessment Process UK Goals

An EHCP often includes specific learning targets or support strategies – and this is where SEND tutoring support can play a valuable role. Tutoring, especially one-to-one, can reinforce the interventions and goals outlined in your child’s EHCP. For example, if the plan identifies a need to improve reading, math skills, or social communication, a dedicated tutor can provide personalised practice and teaching methods tailored to your child’s learning style. This targeted approach helps your child make progress at their own pace, building confidence along the way.

Powertutors offers specialised one-to-one tutoring services for children with SEND, including those with EHCPs. Our tutors are experienced in supporting children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. We align our tutoring sessions with the objectives in your child’s EHCP – whether it’s aiding academic achievement or developing life skills. Online tutoring is available (via platforms like Skype or Google Hangouts), combined with interactive whiteboard tools to make lessons engaging and visual. This means your child can receive support from the comfort of home with the same personal touch as in-person sessions. We also provide in-person tutoring for families who prefer face-to-face learning. With consistent tutoring, children often show improvements not only in specific subject areas but also in concentration, organisation, and self-esteem. By reinforcing classroom learning and therapy goals, the right tutor can be an important part of your child’s support network. (You can learn more about our dedicated SEND tutoring and our approach to 1:1 tutoring on our website.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an EHCP and who is it for?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 who have complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It outlines their individual support needs across education, health, and social care, and specifies the provision required to meet those needs.

Who can request an EHCP assessment?

A parent, carer, young person (over 16), school, or early years setting can request an EHCP needs assessment. You do not need the school’s permission to apply, although involving them can help provide supporting evidence.

How do I request an EHCP assessment in the UK?

You can make a written request directly to your Local Authority’s SEND department or ask your child’s school SENCO to help. It’s important to explain why your child needs more support than the school can provide and include any evidence of their difficulties.

What documents should I gather before the assessment?

Useful evidence includes school reports, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), specialist assessments (e.g. from educational psychologists or therapists), medical records, and your own notes about your child’s needs. A parent statement can also be powerful.

How long does the EHCP process take?

The full process—from initial request to receiving a final EHCP—should take no more than 20 weeks. However, delays are common. In 2023, only 51% of EHCPs were issued within that legal timeframe, according to Special Needs Jungle.

What happens at the EHCP meeting?

This meeting (sometimes called a planning or assessment meeting) brings together professionals and the family to review evidence and draft the plan. It’s your chance to ensure your child’s strengths, needs, and goals are accurately represented.

Can I bring someone with me to the EHCP meeting?

Yes, absolutely. You can bring a friend, family member, or advocate to support you. They can help take notes, offer moral support, and ensure your voice is heard.

What if I disagree with the EHCP or the decision not to issue one?

You have the right to challenge decisions. First, try informal discussion or mediation with the LA. If the issue remains unresolved, you can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal.

How can a tutor support my child’s EHCP?

A one-to-one tutor can help your child work towards the outcomes outlined in their EHCP—whether that’s academic progress, social communication, or building confidence. At Powertutors, we match students with experienced SEND tutors who offer personalised, goal-focused support either online or in-person.

Do you offer online tutoring for children with SEND?

Yes. We offer online tutoring via platforms like Skype and Google Hangouts, combined with interactive whiteboards to keep sessions engaging. Learn more about our approach to 1:1 tutoring here.

Conclusion

Navigating the EHCP assessment process may feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and support, you can successfully advocate for your child’s needs. Remember that as a parent, you are your child’s biggest champion – and you have the right to ask questions and push for the help your child requires. While delays and hurdles can occur, stay persistent and focused on the end goal: obtaining the resources that will help your child thrive. Along the way, don’t hesitate to seek out support, whether it’s from professionals, support groups, or dedicated services like Powertutors. We are here to help lighten the load. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to us at enquiries@powertutors.co.uk or contact us through our website. You’re not alone on this journey – with knowledge, patience, and support, you can navigate the EHCP process and secure a brighter future for your child.

Helpful Links for Parents Navigating the EHCP Process

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