SEND Templates, Checklists & Downloads for Parents
Practical Resources to Help You Prepare, Record, Review and Challenge SEND Support
When you are dealing with SEN Support, an EHCP application, an annual review or a disagreement with the Local Authority, it can be difficult to know what to write, what evidence to gather and what paperwork you should have.
School of Diversity has created practical SEND templates, checklists and downloadable resources for parents to help you organise information, prepare for meetings and understand what needs to happen next.
These resources are designed to help you:
- prepare for school and SENCO meetings;
- request an EHC needs assessment;
- gather and organise evidence;
- write a parent statement;
- record your child or young person’s views;
- review an EHCP;
- prepare for annual review;
- organise an appeal evidence pack;
- and keep track of important information and deadlines.
Applying for an EHCP
If you are preparing to request an EHC needs assessment, these resources can help you explain your concerns clearly and provide the Local Authority with structured evidence.
EHCP Application Checklist
Before submitting an EHC needs assessment request, use the checklist to make sure the application explains the key areas the Local Authority should consider.
EHCP Evidence Checklist
Evidence can be one of the most important parts of an EHCP application. Use the evidence checklist to consider whether you have information from:
Parent Statement Checklist
Use the checklist to make sure your statement covers the important areas without becoming simply a list of difficulties. A strong statement should help explain: what the need is → how it affects your child → what support is required.
Child or Young Person Statement Template
Children and young people should have opportunities to contribute their own views, wishes and aspirations. The statement template can help record:
Reviewing an EHCP
Check Whether the Plan Clearly Describes Need and Provision An EHCP should not simply describe a child's difficulties. It should clearly connect: Need → Provision → Outcome Use our review resources to examine whether the plan accurately reflects the evidence.
EHCP Parent Checklist
Use the parent checklist as a broader reference when checking whether an EHCP contains the information and provision you would expect to see.
Preparing Your Evidence
Turn Separate Documents Into a Clear Evidence Picture SEND cases can quickly generate a large amount of paperwork.
Appeals & Tribunal Resources
Organise Your Evidence Before an Appeal
If you are challenging an EHCP decision, preparation becomes especially important.
Evidence should be organised so that the Tribunal can understand:
- what decision is being challenged;
- what the evidence says;
- what remains disputed;
- what wording you are seeking;
- and how the evidence supports that position.
EHCP Appeal Evidence Pack Checklist
Use this resource to think about:
- appeal documents;
- decision letters;
- professional reports;
- school evidence;
- parent evidence;
- chronology;
- disputed sections;
- evidence summaries;
- and hearing preparation.
SEN Support & School Meeting Resources
Prepare Before You Meet the SENCO
Not every child who needs additional support requires an EHCP.
For many families, the first priority is making sure school understands the child’s needs and is putting appropriate SEN Support in place.
Useful areas to prepare before a meeting include:
- what concerns you want to raise;
- what support is already being provided;
- whether the child is formally recorded as receiving SEN Support;
- what Assess, Plan, Do, Review looks like;
- what outcomes have been agreed;
- what interventions are being delivered;
- who is delivering them;
- how frequently they happen;
- how progress is measured;
- and when support will next be reviewed.
How to Use These Resources
You do not need to download everything.
Start with the stage you are currently at.
If you are concerned about school support
Start with:
SEND Support resources
If you are applying for an EHCP
Start with:
EHCP Request Letter
EHCP Application Checklist
EHCP Evidence Checklist
Parent Statement Template
If you have received a draft EHCP
Start with:
EHCP Review Checklist
If you have an annual review coming up
Start with:
EHCP Parent Checklist
Evidence Review resources
If you are appealing
Start with:
EHCP Appeal Evidence Pack Checklist
Templates Are a Starting Point
A template can help you organise information, but SEND cases are rarely identical.
The most effective letters, statements and evidence packs are adapted to the child’s individual:
- needs;
- education;
- progress;
- support;
- professional evidence;
- and circumstances.
Avoid simply copying generic wording if it does not accurately describe your child’s situation.
Need Help With Your Child's Documents?
If you are unsure whether you have enough evidence, whether your EHCP is sufficiently specific or whether your paperwork clearly explains your child’s needs, School of Diversity can provide individual support.
We can help with:
- SEND school support;
- SENCO meeting preparation;
- SEND Action Plans;
- EHC needs assessment applications;
- evidence reviews;
- parent statements;
- draft EHCP reviews;
- annual reviews;
- placement;
- mediation;
- appeals;
- and SEND Tribunal preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the SEND templates free?
Some School of Diversity templates, checklists and guidance resources are available free of charge. Some specialist resources and personalised services may be paid.
Can I use an EHCP request letter without a diagnosis?
Yes. An EHC needs assessment request is based on the child’s special educational needs and the provision that may be required, not simply whether they have a diagnosis.
What evidence should I include with an EHCP application?
Relevant evidence may include school records, SEN Support plans, progress information, professional reports, parent evidence, attendance information and information about interventions already tried.
Should I write a parent statement?
A parent statement can be very useful because it helps explain your child’s needs, strengths, difficulties and everyday support requirements from the family’s perspective.
Can my child contribute to their EHCP?
Yes. Their views, wishes and aspirations should be considered. The way these are gathered should be appropriate to their age, communication and understanding.
Can you review my completed documents?
Yes. School of Diversity provides individual support with SEND evidence, EHCP applications, draft EHCPs, annual reviews and appeals.