Understanding the EHCP Assessment Process
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessment is the first crucial step towards securing specialist support for your child. The process can feel overwhelming, but understanding what happens at each stage and what evidence is needed can make all the difference.
The 20-Week Timeline
By law, the entire EHCP assessment process should take no more than 20 weeks from the date of your request to the final plan being issued. Here's how it breaks down:
Week 0-6: Decision to Assess
What happens: The local authority reviews your request and decides whether to carry out an assessment.
Evidence needed:
- Detailed parent/carer statement describing your child's needs and the impact on daily life
- Current reports from school (SEN support records, provision maps, progress data)
- Medical evidence (GP letters, specialist reports, diagnoses)
- Any external professional reports (educational psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist)
How we help: We review your evidence, identify gaps, help you draft a compelling parent statement, and ensure your request meets the legal threshold.
Week 6-16: Assessment Period
What happens: If agreed, professionals from education, health, and social care gather information about your child's needs.
What you can do:
- Request specific assessments if you feel they're needed
- Provide additional evidence as it becomes available
- Stay in regular contact with the SEND team
- Keep detailed records of all communications
How we help: We advise on what additional assessments to request, help you communicate effectively with the local authority, and ensure your voice is heard throughout the process.
Week 16-18: Draft EHCP
What happens: If the local authority decides to issue a plan, you'll receive a draft EHCP to review.
What to check:
- Section B: Does it accurately describe your child's needs?
- Section F: Is the provision specific, detailed, and quantified?
- Section I: Is the right school/setting named?
How we help: We review the draft plan, identify weaknesses or missing elements, and help you request necessary amendments within the 15-day consultation period.
Week 18-20: Final EHCP Issued
What happens: The local authority considers your feedback and issues the final EHCP.
Your options:
- Accept the plan as issued
- Request mediation if you disagree with certain aspects
- Appeal to the SEND Tribunal (with or without mediation)
How we help: We review the final plan, explain your options, and support you with mediation or tribunal preparation if needed.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Local authorities may refuse to assess for several reasons. Understanding these can help you build a stronger case:
- Insufficient evidence of need: The request doesn't demonstrate needs that go beyond what schools can provide through SEN support
- Recent assessment: An assessment was completed within the last 6 months
- Inadequate prior support: The school hasn't tried enough interventions at SEN support level
- Progress being made: The child is making adequate progress with current support
- Medical evidence missing: No clear diagnosis or professional reports to support the request
What Makes a Strong Request
Key Elements of Success
- Clear evidence of need: Detailed descriptions of difficulties across settings (home, school, community)
- Impact statements: How the needs affect learning, social development, independence, and wellbeing
- Professional backing: Reports from specialists that support your concerns
- School evidence: Clear records showing what's been tried and why it hasn't been enough
- Parental insight: Your unique knowledge of your child's needs and how they manifest daily
How We Support You
Our EHCP assessment support service provides:
Initial Consultation
We review your situation, assess the strength of your case, and provide honest advice on whether an EHCP assessment request is appropriate.
Evidence Review
We identify what evidence you have, what's missing, and how to obtain additional reports or assessments that will strengthen your request.
Request Drafting
We help you write a compelling parent statement and organize your evidence into a clear, well-structured request letter.
Ongoing Support
Throughout the 20-week process, we provide guidance, review correspondence, and ensure deadlines are met.
Pricing
EHCP assessment support is available as:
- Hourly consultation: £55/hour for ad-hoc advice
- Assessment request package: £250 (includes evidence review, parent statement support, and request letter drafting)
- Full assessment support: £500 (includes everything in the package plus ongoing support throughout the 20-week process)
Related Services
- EHCP Appeals Support - If your request is refused
- Annual Review Support - Once the EHCP is in place
- SEND Tribunal Support - If you need to appeal
Ready to Get Started?
Book a consultation to discuss your child's needs and how we can support your EHCP assessment request.
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