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.
EHCP Request Letter Template for Parents
Parents have the legal right to request an EHC needs assessment from their local authority if they believe their child may need more support than the school can provide through SEN support alone.
Many parents feel unsure about how to write the request, but the letter does not need to be complicated. What matters most is clearly asking the local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment and briefly explaining why you believe your child needs one.
Below is a simple template that parents can adapt for their own situation.
EHCP Request Letter Template
Subject: Request for EHC Needs Assessment for [Child’s Name]
Dear [Local Authority SEND Team],
I am writing to formally request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment for my child, [Child’s Full Name], who attends [School Name].
I believe that my child may require additional support beyond what can reasonably be provided through SEN support at school.
[Child’s Name] currently experiences difficulties with:
[Brief description of learning needs]
[Communication or social interaction needs]
[Emotional or sensory needs]
Despite the support currently provided at school, I am concerned that their needs are not being fully met and that they may require more specialised provision.
Under Section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014, I understand that parents have the right to request an EHC needs assessment.
Please confirm that you have received this request and inform me of the next steps in the process.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Parent Name]
[Address]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
What to include in your request
Your request does not need to be long. It should simply include:
Your child’s name and school
A clear request for an EHC needs assessment
A brief explanation of your concerns
Your contact details
You can provide additional evidence later in the process if needed.
Do parents need school permission to request an EHCP?
No.
Parents can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority. You do not need the school’s permission to make the request.
Schools can also request assessments, but parents have the same legal right to do so.
What happens after you send the letter?
Once the local authority receives the request, they must decide within six weeks whether to carry out the assessment.
They may:
Agree to assess your child’s needs
Refuse the assessment
If the request is refused, parents have the right to challenge or appeal the decision.
Tips for sending your request
Parents often choose to:
Send the request by email so there is a record
Address it to the local authority SEND team
Keep a copy of the letter
Having a clear written record of the request can help if there are delays or questions later.
EHCP Request FAQ
Can parents request an EHCP themselves?
Yes. Parents have the legal right to request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority.
Do I need to use a specific form?
No. A simple email or letter requesting an EHC needs assessment is sufficient.
How long does the local authority have to respond?
The local authority must decide within six weeks whether to carry out the assessment.
What if the request is refused?
Parents have the right to challenge the decision and may appeal through the SEND tribunal process.
Explore more EHCP guidance
Requesting an EHC needs assessment can feel like an important step for many families. If you would like a broader overview of the process, 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 submit your request, our guide on how to apply for an EHCP explains the full process and what happens after the request is made. You may also want to read about what evidence you need for an EHCP, which outlines the types of information that can help support your request. Some parents are also told that a school cannot apply for an EHCP, so our guide on can a school refuse an EHCP request explains parents’ rights and what to do if a school disagrees with the request.