EHCP Application Support for Parents
When your child needs more support than their school can usually provide, applying for an EHCP can be an important step. But for many families, the process feels complicated, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate.
At School of Diversity, we support parents and carers through each stage of the EHCP journey. Whether you are just starting to explore an assessment request or need help understanding a draft plan, we are here to guide you with clarity and care.
What is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan, or EHCP, is a legal document that sets out a child or young person’s educational needs, the outcomes they are working towards, and the support that must be provided to help them make progress.
An EHCP may be appropriate where a child or young person needs support beyond what is normally available through SEN support in school or college.
Who is this support for?
Our EHCP support is designed for parents and carers who:
- are considering whether to request an EHCP assessment
- need help understanding the application process
- want support gathering evidence
- have received a refusal and need guidance on next steps
- want help reviewing a draft EHCP
- feel unsure whether the plan properly reflects their child’s needs
How we can help
Understanding whether an EHCP may be appropriate
We help you make sense of your child’s current support, challenges, and needs so you can decide whether an EHCP assessment request is the right next step.
Support with requesting an assessment
We guide you in preparing a clear and well-structured request to your local authority, helping you explain why a statutory assessment should be considered.
Help gathering evidence
A strong application is built on clear evidence. We help you organise reports, school information, professional input, and your own parent views in a way that supports your child’s case.
Parent-friendly guidance through the process
We explain the EHCP process in plain language, so you understand what to expect, what timescales matter, and what your options are at each stage.
Reviewing draft EHCPs
When a draft plan is issued, we can help you check whether the wording is clear, specific, and detailed enough to properly reflect your child’s needs and provision.
Practical advocacy support
We help you feel more confident in conversations with schools, professionals, and local authorities, so you can advocate more effectively for your child.
The EHCP process in simple steps
1. Identifying the need for further support
This usually begins when it becomes clear that your child may need more help than their setting can normally provide through SEN support.
2. Requesting an EHC needs assessment
A parent, young person, school, or professional can request an assessment from the local authority.
3. Local authority decision
The authority considers the request and decides whether to carry out an assessment.
4. Gathering professional advice
If agreed, advice is collected from education, health, and care professionals to build a picture of your child’s needs.
5. Draft EHCP
If the local authority decides to issue a plan, you will receive a draft to review and comment on.
6. Final EHCP
The final plan sets out the support that must be delivered and the educational placement named for your child.
Why parents seek support with EHCP applications
Many parents come to us because they feel:
- overwhelmed by the paperwork
- unsure what evidence is needed
- confused by the language used in reports and plans
- concerned that their child’s needs are not being fully understood
- anxious about refusals, delays, or unclear communication
Our role is to make the process feel clearer, calmer, and more manageable.
Our approach
At School of Diversity, our approach is child-centred, inclusive, and practical. We understand that every child’s profile is different, and every family’s experience is unique.
We focus on helping you:
- understand your options
- feel confident in your decisions
- present your child’s needs clearly
- work towards the right support and provision
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EHCP stand for?
EHCP stands for Education, Health and Care Plan.
Can I request an EHCP assessment myself as a parent?
Yes. Parents and carers can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority.
Does my child need a diagnosis to get an EHCP?
Not always. What matters is the child’s needs and the level of support required, not just a diagnosis.
What if the local authority says no?
If a request is refused, you may still have options, including challenging the decision or seeking further advice and support.
Can you help if I already have a draft EHCP?
Yes. We can help you review whether the draft accurately reflects your child’s needs and whether the provision is clear and specific.
Is this support only for children in school?
EHCPs can apply to children and young people from age 0 to 25, depending on their circumstances and educational needs.
Need help with an EHCP application?
Whether you are just starting the process or need help reviewing a draft plan, we are here to support you with clear, practical guidance.
If you’re exploring support for your child, you may also find it helpful to look at our wider services. Alongside EHCP application support, we offer guidance with SEND advocacy support to help you navigate conversations with schools and local authorities, as well as parent consultations where you can talk through your concerns and next steps in a structured way.
For families looking for more tailored support, we also provide autism support and ADHD support, alongside practical school support services designed to ensure your child is receiving the right provision day to day.