EHCP Application Support for Parents

Clear, structured and evidence-led help preparing a request for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.

Applying for an EHCP can feel daunting. Parents may know that their child is struggling but feel uncertain about what evidence to provide, how to describe their child’s needs or how to show that existing SEN Support is not enough.

School of Diversity helps parents prepare clear and detailed EHC needs assessment requests. We review your child’s needs, the support already provided and the available evidence so that the local authority receives an organised and accurate account of the situation.

What Is an EHCP Application?

The first stage of applying for an EHCP is usually a written request asking the local authority to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.

An EHC needs assessment is a formal assessment of a child or young person’s education, health and social care needs.

Under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014, the local authority must consider whether:

the child or young person has or may have special educational needs; and
it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made through an EHC plan.

This is sometimes called the statutory test for an EHC needs assessment. The test is whether an EHCP may be necessary, not whether the parent can already prove conclusively that one must be issued.

Who Can Request an EHC Needs Assessment?

A request can be made by:

a parent or carer;
a young person aged over 16 and under 25;
a school, college or early years setting;
another person who believes an assessment may be necessary.

Parents do not have to wait for the school to submit the request. Government guidance confirms that a parent can ask the local authority directly to carry out an assessment.

Does the School Need to Agree?

No. A parent can make a direct request even where the school does not agree that an assessment is required.

The school’s records and views may still be important evidence, but school approval is not a legal prerequisite for a parent to submit a request.

Does My Child Need a Diagnosis?

No. An EHCP is based on a child or young person’s special educational needs and the provision they may require, not on diagnosis alone.

A diagnosis can provide useful evidence, but a child may have substantial special educational needs without having received a formal diagnosis.

When Might an EHCP Application Be Appropriate?

An EHC needs assessment may need to be considered where a child or young person:

is not making expected progress despite additional support;
requires support beyond what is ordinarily available through SEN Support;
has complex or interacting needs;
needs support from several education, health or care professionals;
has significant communication or interaction needs;
experiences persistent emotional regulation or sensory difficulties;
has severe anxiety, school avoidance or reduced attendance linked to SEND;
requires substantial adult supervision or individualised teaching;
needs specialist equipment, therapy or professional input;
is at risk of exclusion or placement breakdown;
is approaching a major educational transition;
has needs that are not clearly understood or consistently supported;
requires provision that needs to be specified and legally secured.

An EHCP should not be viewed simply as additional funding. Its purpose is to identify needs, outcomes and the special educational provision required.

What Our EHCP Application Support Includes

Our service helps parents prepare a coherent, evidence-led request rather than relying on a short generic letter.

Depending on the package selected, support may include:

Initial Case Review

We consider:

your child’s age and educational setting;
their identified or suspected needs;
the difficulties currently experienced;
the support already provided;
progress and attainment;
attendance, behaviour and emotional wellbeing;
professional involvement;
the evidence currently available.

Parent Questionnaire

You will be asked to provide information about:

your child’s strengths and interests;
developmental and educational history;
communication and interaction;
learning and cognition;
emotional wellbeing;
sensory and physical needs;
independence and self-care;
support required at home and in the community;
current school provision;
the impact on your child and family;
your aspirations for the future.

Evidence Review

We review relevant evidence such as:

school reports;
SEN Support plans;
assess, plan, do and review records;
provision maps;
progress and attainment information;
attendance records;
behaviour or incident logs;
educational psychology advice;
speech and language therapy reports;
occupational therapy reports;
autism or ADHD assessment reports;
medical evidence;
correspondence with school or the local authority;
parental records and observations.

Identification of Evidence Gaps

We identify whether important information may be missing, such as:

insufficient detail about provision already attempted;
no measurable record of progress;
missing professional recommendations;
limited information about sensory or communication needs;
no clear child or young person’s views;
insufficient explanation of why existing support is not working.

Drafting the EHC Needs Assessment Request

We prepare a structured parental request that may include:

your child’s background;
their strengths and aspirations;
identified and suspected special educational needs;
the impact of those needs on education;
support currently in place;
progress despite intervention;
why current SEN Support may be insufficient;
professional involvement and recommendations;
the reasons an EHC needs assessment may be necessary;
a clear request for the local authority to apply the statutory test.

Organisation of Supporting Evidence

We help organise the evidence so that it is clearly labelled and easy for the local authority to follow.

Submission Guidance

You receive guidance on:

where to send the request;
what to include;
how to retain proof of submission;
what should happen after the request is received;
the date by which the local authority should respond;
what to do if further information is requested.

Why a Detailed Parent Request Matters

A parent can legally request an EHC needs assessment using a relatively short letter. However, a carefully prepared submission may help the local authority understand:

the full range of the child’s needs;
how those needs affect access to education;
what support has already been attempted;
whether progress remains limited;
whether provision may need to be coordinated through an EHC plan.

A long application is not automatically a strong application. The information should be relevant, supported and linked to the statutory assessment test.

What Evidence Should Be Included?

Evidence should show both the child’s needs and the support required.

Evidence of Special Educational Needs

This may include information about:

communication and interaction;
learning and processing;
attention and executive functioning;
literacy and numeracy;
emotional regulation;
anxiety and mental wellbeing;
sensory processing;
physical or medical needs;
social understanding;
independence;
preparation for adulthood.

Evidence of Educational Impact

This may include:

limited or inconsistent progress;
attainment below expected levels;
difficulties accessing lessons;
reduced attendance;
repeated distress or shutdowns;
school avoidance;
exclusions;
inability to work independently;
dependence on adult support;
difficulties with transitions or unstructured times.

Evidence of Existing Support

The application should explain:

what support has been provided;
how frequently it has been delivered;
who has delivered it;
how long it has been in place;
what progress has resulted;
whether the support has been consistent;
why it is no longer sufficient.

Professional Evidence

Professional evidence can be valuable where it identifies:

the child’s needs;
the impact of those needs;
required interventions;
frequency and duration of provision;
staffing or specialist expertise;
environmental adjustments;
risks if the provision is not delivered.

The Four Broad Areas of Special Educational Need

The SEND Code of Practice describes four broad areas of need. A child may have needs in one or several areas.

Communication and Interaction

This may include:

autism-related communication needs;
speech, language and communication difficulties;
difficulties understanding language;
social communication differences;
literal interpretation;
difficulties with social interaction.

Cognition and Learning

This may include:

specific learning difficulties;
dyslexia or dyscalculia;
moderate or severe learning difficulties;
working-memory difficulties;
slower processing;
difficulties retaining or generalising learning.

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

This may include:

anxiety;
emotional dysregulation;
attention difficulties;
impulsivity;
low self-esteem;
trauma-related needs;
school avoidance;
behaviour communicating unmet need.

Sensory and Physical Needs

This may include:

sensory processing differences;
hearing or visual impairment;
physical disability;
coordination difficulties;
medical needs affecting education;
difficulties with personal care or mobility.

These categories should not be used to restrict the description of a child. The request should reflect the whole child and the interaction between different needs.

What Happens After the Application Is Submitted?

Once the local authority receives the request, it must decide whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment.

The Six-Week Decision Stage

The local authority normally has six weeks from receiving the request to decide whether it will carry out the assessment.

During this period, it may seek information from:

the parent;
the child or young person;
the school or college;
health professionals;
social care;
other relevant professionals.

The local authority should apply the statutory test rather than requiring the parent to prove at this stage that an EHCP will definitely be necessary.

If the Local Authority Agrees to Assess

The local authority will seek formal advice from the relevant professionals.

This may include advice from:

parents;
the educational setting;
an educational psychologist;
health professionals;
social care;
anyone else reasonably requested.

The assessment should consider education, health and social care needs together.

If the Local Authority Decides to Issue an EHCP

A draft plan will be produced.

Parents should review the draft carefully, particularly:

Section B: special educational needs;
Section E: outcomes;
Section F: special educational provision;
Section I: placement.

A draft EHCP should not be accepted automatically merely because the assessment has succeeded.

The Overall 20-Week Timescale

Subject to limited statutory exceptions, the overall process from the initial request to the issue of a final EHC plan should normally take no more than 20 weeks. The SEND Code of Practice contains the detailed statutory process and timescales.

What Happens if the Local Authority Refuses to Assess?

The local authority must explain its decision and notify the parent or young person of their right to appeal.

A refusal does not necessarily mean that the evidence is weak or that an EHCP could never be required.

The decision may need to be reviewed to establish:

whether the correct statutory test was applied;
whether relevant evidence was overlooked;
whether the authority expected too much proof at the application stage;
whether the impact of the child’s needs was fully understood;
whether existing SEN Support was inaccurately described as sufficient.

Parents and eligible young people can appeal a refusal to carry out an EHC needs assessment to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).

Common Reasons EHCP Applications Are Weak

The Request Focuses Mainly on Diagnosis

A diagnosis may be relevant, but the application must explain the child’s special educational needs and the provision potentially required.

The Application Lists Difficulties Without Explaining Educational Impact

The local authority needs to understand how the child’s needs affect:

access to learning;
progress;
attendance;
emotional wellbeing;
independence;
participation in school life.

Existing Support Is Not Clearly Described

It should be clear what has already been attempted and why it has not been sufficient.

Evidence Is Submitted Without Explanation

A bundle of reports may be difficult to interpret unless the important conclusions and recommendations are clearly identified.

The Child’s Needs Are Understated

Parents often become accustomed to providing extensive support and may unintentionally describe serious needs as ordinary family routines.

The Application Relies Only on Academic Attainment

A child can be attaining at or above age-related expectations while still having substantial special educational needs relating to communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, attendance or independence.

The Request Uses Generic Wording

Statements such as “my child needs more support” should be supported with specific examples, evidence and explanation.

Can a Child Apply Without Completing Several SEN Support Cycles?

There is no legal rule requiring a child to complete a fixed number of assess, plan, do and review cycles before an assessment can be requested.

Evidence of graduated support can be useful because it demonstrates what has already been attempted. However, the legal question remains whether the child has or may have special educational needs and whether provision through an EHC plan may be necessary.

In some cases, the seriousness or complexity of the child’s needs may mean that an assessment should not be delayed while further cycles are completed.

Can an EHCP Be Requested for a Child Who Is Not Attending School?

Yes. Reduced attendance, school avoidance or being out of education does not prevent a request from being made.

The application should explain:

why attendance has reduced;
whether SEND contributes to the difficulty;
what support has been attempted;
how education is currently being accessed;
what professional advice exists;
what support may be required for reintegration or alternative provision.

Attendance difficulties should not automatically be treated as a separate behavioural or parenting issue where they may arise from unmet special educational needs.

Can an EHCP Be Requested Before a Child Starts School?

Yes. An EHC needs assessment can be requested for a child before compulsory school age where their needs may require coordinated special educational provision through an EHC plan.

Early assessment can be particularly important where:

significant needs have already been identified;
specialist provision may be required;
transition planning is needed;
several professionals are involved;
the child requires extensive support to access education.

EHCP Applications for Young People Aged 16 to 25

Young people over compulsory school age may request an EHC needs assessment in their own right.

An EHCP may continue or be issued where a young person requires special educational provision to support education or training.

Applications may need to address:

further education;
vocational training;
communication and self-advocacy;
independent living;
employment preparation;
community participation;
transition to adult services.

An EHCP is not available solely because a young person needs health or social care support. There must be relevant special educational needs and a need for special educational provision.

How Our EHCP Application Process Works

1. Initial Enquiry

Tell us:

your child’s age;
their educational setting;
the main concerns;
the support currently in place;
whether a request has already been submitted;
whether there is an urgent deadline.

2. SEND Clarity Session

Where appropriate, we discuss:

whether an EHC needs assessment may be the correct next step;
the evidence currently available;
gaps that need addressing;
the most suitable level of support.

3. Information Gathering

You complete a structured parent questionnaire and provide the agreed documents.

4. Evidence Review

We review the evidence and identify the main needs, educational impact and existing provision.

5. Application Preparation

We prepare the agreed application documents and organise the supporting evidence.

6. Parent Approval

You review the draft and confirm that it accurately reflects your child and circumstances.

7. Submission

The request is submitted to the relevant local authority. We provide guidance on recording the submission date and tracking the six-week response deadline.

8. Next-Step Guidance

We explain what to expect if the authority:

agrees to assess;
requests more information;
refuses to assess;
fails to respond within the statutory period.

Who Is the Service Suitable For?

Our EHCP application support may be suitable where:

you do not know how to begin the request;
school support is not meeting your child’s needs;
the school is unwilling to apply;
you have been told to wait for a diagnosis;
you have several reports but do not know how to organise them;
your child is not making progress;
attendance or emotional wellbeing is deteriorating;
your child is approaching transition;
the existing support is informal or inconsistent;
you need help preparing a detailed parental statement;
a previous request was weak or incomplete.

Why Choose School of Diversity?

Practical Parent-Focused Support

We work from your child’s circumstances rather than providing only a generic application template.

Detailed Evidence Review

We identify the evidence that supports the request and highlight significant gaps.

Clear Written Applications

The request is organised around needs, educational impact, existing support and the statutory assessment test.

Integrated SEND and Psychological Insight

Our work combines practical SEND support with Chartered Psychologist-led assessment expertise.

Support Across England

The application service can be delivered remotely to families throughout England.

Clear Scope and Fees

The documents, support, timescales and fees included in your package are confirmed before work begins.

EHCP Application Support Packages

This section should be adjusted to match your actual prices and contractual service levels.

EHCP Application Review

Suitable for parents who have already prepared a request.

May include:

review of the draft application;
review of selected evidence;
identification of gaps;
written recommendations;
one round of agreed amendments.

Complete EHCP Application Support

Suitable for parents who require a full application to be prepared.

May include:

initial case review;
structured parent questionnaire;
evidence review;
parental request preparation;
parental statement;
evidence index;
submission guidance.

Enhanced EHCP Application and Ongoing Support

Suitable where the case is complex or the parent requires support beyond submission.

May include:

complete application support;
correspondence guidance;
response review;
assistance during the assessment process;
draft EHCP review if a plan is issued;
refusal review if the authority declines to assess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Apply for an EHCP Myself?

Yes. A parent can submit a request directly to the local authority.

You do not have to use a solicitor, advocate or professional representative.

Our service is available where parents want help structuring the application, reviewing evidence and explaining why an assessment may be necessary.

Does the School Have to Apply?

No. A parent can apply directly even if the school does not support the request.

Does My Child Need a Diagnosis?

No. The legal test concerns special educational needs and whether provision through an EHC plan may be necessary.

Can I Apply if My Child Is Doing Well Academically?

Yes. Academic attainment is only one aspect of education.

A child may still require substantial support with communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, attention, attendance, social interaction or independence.

Can the Local Authority Insist on More SEN Support First?

The authority can consider the support already provided, but it must apply the statutory legal test.

There is no universal legal requirement to complete a fixed number of intervention cycles or wait for a specific period before requesting an assessment.

How Long Does the Local Authority Have to Decide?

The local authority normally has six weeks from receiving the request to notify the parent or young person whether it will carry out an assessment.

How Long Does the Whole EHCP Process Take?

Where an assessment proceeds and an EHCP is issued, the overall process should normally be completed within 20 weeks of the original request, subject to limited exceptions.

What if the Local Authority Refuses?

You may have a right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

The decision letter should explain your appeal and mediation rights. Appeal deadlines are strict, so obtain advice promptly.

Can You Guarantee That the Authority Will Assess?

No. We cannot guarantee a particular local-authority or tribunal decision.

We can help ensure that the request is detailed, relevant and supported by the available evidence.

Will You Submit the Application for Me?

This depends on the package agreed.

In many cases, the final request is submitted by the parent so that the authority communicates directly with the person holding parental responsibility. We can prepare the documents and provide submission guidance.

Can You Contact the School or Local Authority?

Direct correspondence or representation must be expressly included in the agreed package and client authority.

Is the Service Available Across the UK?

This service concerns the EHCP system in England.

Different statutory systems apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Start Your Child’s EHCP Application

You do not need to wait until every difficulty has become a crisis before asking whether an EHC needs assessment may be necessary.

We can help you review your child’s needs, organise the available evidence and prepare a clear request for the local authority.

Have you already received a refusal to assess? Visit our EHCP Refusal to Assess Support page for help reviewing the decision and preparing the next steps.

Important Information

School of Diversity provides SEND advocacy, document preparation and practical application support.

We do not guarantee that a local authority will agree to assess or issue an EHCP.

Unless otherwise confirmed in writing, this service does not constitute representation by a solicitor or barrister and is not a substitute for regulated legal advice.

Parents remain responsible for checking correspondence, submission details and statutory deadlines. The precise scope of work will be set out in the client agreement.