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How to Apply for an EHCP (2)_compressed

Last reviewed: March 2026

Written by: School of Diversity SEND Support Team

Topic: Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

This guide is designed to help parents understand the EHCP process in England and is regularly updated to reflect SEND guidance and procedures.

 

How to Apply for an EHCP (Step by Step)

The EHCP process usually takes up to 20 weeks from the date a request for an EHC needs assessment is made. During this time, the local authority decides whether to assess the child, gathers professional advice, and determines whether an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) should be issued. If a plan is agreed, the final EHCP should normally be issued within the 20-week timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • Parents, schools, or professionals can request an EHC needs assessment from the local authority.

  • Parents can apply directly to the local authority and do not need the school’s permission to make the request.

  • The request usually includes information about the child’s needs, school support, and any professional reports.

  • The local authority must decide within six weeks whether to carry out an assessment.

  • If the assessment goes ahead, the full EHCP process should normally be completed within 20 weeks.

Applying for an EHCP can feel daunting, especially if your child is already struggling and you are tired or unsure where to start.

This guide explains how to apply for an EHCP step by step, what you need to do as a parent, and what happens at each stage — in clear, plain English.

Step 1: Decide whether to request an EHCP assessment

Before applying, it helps to understand when an EHCP should be considered.

You may be ready to apply if:

  • SEN support is not enough

  • Your child is not making progress

  • School struggles to meet needs consistently

  • Support depends on limited resources

  • Your child is distressed, masking, or exhausted

You do not need:

  • A diagnosis

  • School permission

  • Proof that SEN support has “failed”

You only need to believe your child may need more support than school can reasonably provide.

Step 2: Request an EHC needs assessment (this is the application)

There is no separate “EHCP application form”.
You apply by requesting an EHC needs assessment.

Parents and carers have a legal right to do this themselves.

You should:

  • Write to your local authority (email or letter)

  • Clearly request an EHC needs assessment

  • Include your child’s details and school

You do not have to go through the school, although schools can also make requests.

Step 3: Explain why your child may need an EHCP

Your request should explain:

  • Your child’s needs

  • How those needs affect education

  • Why SEN support may not be enough

Focus on:

  • Access to learning

  • Emotional wellbeing

  • Fatigue, anxiety, or distress

  • Consistency of support

You do not need perfect wording — clarity matters more than formality.

Step 4: Gather supporting evidence (what actually helps)

You can include evidence such as:

  • School reports or SEN plans

  • Notes from meetings

  • Emails showing ongoing concerns

  • Parent observations

  • Professional reports (if available)

Important to know:

  • Medical evidence is not required

  • Parent evidence does count

  • You can submit more evidence later

The aim is to show need, not to prove fault.

Step 5: Wait for the local authority decision (6 weeks)

Once the local authority receives your request, they have 6 weeks to decide whether to assess.

They may:

  • Agree to carry out an assessment

  • Refuse the assessment

If they refuse, they must explain why and tell you how to appeal.

A refusal at this stage is common — and challengeable.

Step 6: The EHC needs assessment (if agreed)

If the assessment goes ahead, the local authority gathers information from:

  • Parents

  • School

  • Educational psychologist

  • Health or care professionals (where relevant)

You should be asked for your views.
This is your opportunity to clearly explain how things are for your child day to day.

Step 7: Decision on whether to issue an EHCP

After the assessment, the local authority decides whether to issue an EHCP.

They may:

  • Issue a draft EHCP

  • Decide not to issue one

Both decisions can be challenged if you disagree.

Step 8: Reviewing the draft EHCP (if issued)

If a draft EHCP is issued, you can:

  • Check the wording carefully

  • Ask for changes

  • Request a school or placement

  • Submit additional evidence

This stage is crucial — especially Section F, which sets out support.

Step 9: The final EHCP

Once finalised:

  • The EHCP is legally binding

  • The local authority must secure the provision

  • The plan must be reviewed regularly

If support is not put in place, parents can take further action.

Common questions parents ask at this stage

Can parents apply for an EHCP themselves?

Yes. Parents and carers can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority.

Do I need a diagnosis before applying?

No. A diagnosis is not required to apply for or receive an EHCP.

How long does the EHCP process take?

The full process should take up to 20 weeks, although delays are common.

What if the school doesn’t support the application?

You can still apply. School agreement is not required.

What if my request is refused?

You have the right to appeal and challenge the decision.

Important gaps parents often miss

  • Applying does not mean an EHCP will automatically be issued

  • A refusal does not mean your child doesn’t need support

  • The process can be slow — but persistence matters

  • You are allowed to ask questions and challenge decisions

You don’t have to do this alone

Many parents feel overwhelmed during the EHCP application process. That is understandable.

At School of Diversity, we provide clear, parent-focused guidance to help families understand their options, rights, and next steps — without pressure or judgement.

How to Apply for an EHCP – FAQs for Parents

Can parents apply for an EHCP themselves?

Yes. Parents and carers can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority. You do not need school permission.

No. A diagnosis is not required. EHCP decisions are based on a child’s needs and how they affect access to education.

The full process should take up to 20 weeks, although delays are common.

You can include school reports, parent observations, emails, SEN plans, and professional reports if available. Medical evidence is not required.

You can still apply. School agreement is not needed for a parent to request an EHC needs assessment.

You have the right to appeal and can challenge the decision through mediation or SEND tribunal.

Yes. You can submit additional evidence during the assessment process.

Explore more EHCP guidance

Applying for an EHCP can feel like a big step, but understanding the process can make it much easier to navigate. If you would like a broader overview of the SEND system, you can explore our complete EHCP guide for parents, where all of our EHCP resources are brought together in one place. If you are preparing to make a request, our EHCP request letter template for parents shows how to write a simple letter asking the local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment. You may also want to read about what evidence you need for an EHCP, which explains the types of information that can help support your request. Many parents also find it helpful to understand how long an EHCP takes, so they know what to expect during the assessment process.