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 Long Does an EHCP Take? (Timeline Explained)
The EHCP process normally 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 advice from professionals such as teachers and educational psychologists, and determines whether an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) should be issued. If agreed, the final EHCP should usually be completed within the 20-week timeframe.
Key Takeaways
The EHCP process normally takes up to 20 weeks from the request for an EHC needs assessment to the final plan being issued.
The local authority must decide within six weeks whether to carry out the assessment.
During the assessment stage, professionals such as teachers and educational psychologists may provide reports about the child’s needs.
Parents will receive a draft EHCP before the final plan is issued and can request changes.
If the local authority decides not to assess or issue a plan, parents may have the right to challenge the decision.
Applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan can feel like a long and uncertain process for many parents. One of the most common questions families ask is how long the EHCP process actually takes.
In England, the law sets a clear timeframe for completing an EHCP assessment and issuing a final plan. Understanding this timeline can help parents know what to expect and what steps to take if delays occur.
The legal EHCP timeline
The full EHCP process should take no longer than 20 weeks from the date the local authority receives a request for an EHC needs assessment.
This timeline is set out in the SEND Code of Practice and includes several stages.
EHCP Timeline: Step by Step
Week 0: Request for an EHC needs assessment
The process begins when:
A parent requests an EHC needs assessment
A school makes the request
Another professional makes the request
The local authority must then decide whether to carry out the assessment.
Week 6: Decision whether to assess
Within six weeks, the local authority must decide whether to proceed with an EHC needs assessment.
They may:
Agree to assess the child’s needs
Refuse the assessment
If the request is refused, parents have the right to challenge or appeal the decision.
Weeks 6–16: Assessment process
If the assessment goes ahead, the local authority gathers information from several sources.
This may include:
Parents and carers
The child’s school or setting
An educational psychologist
Health professionals
Social care professionals (if relevant)
The purpose is to build a clear picture of the child’s needs and the support required.
Week 16: Decision to issue an EHCP
After reviewing the assessment information, the local authority decides whether to issue an EHCP.
They may:
Issue a draft EHCP
Decide not to issue a plan
If they refuse to issue a plan, parents can challenge this decision.
Weeks 16–20: Draft plan and final EHCP
If the local authority decides to issue a plan, they will send parents a draft EHCP.
Parents then have the opportunity to:
Review the draft
Request amendments
Express a preference for a school
The final EHCP should be issued by week 20.
Why EHCPs sometimes take longer
Although the legal timeframe is 20 weeks, delays can sometimes occur.
Common reasons include:
Shortages of educational psychologists
Waiting for professional reports
Administrative delays
High demand for assessments
Parents should still expect the local authority to follow the legal timeline where possible.
What can parents do if the EHCP process is delayed?
If the process goes beyond the expected timeline, parents may wish to:
Contact the local authority for an update
Request clear information about the delay
Seek independent advice or support
Understanding the stages of the EHCP timeline can help parents feel more informed and prepared during the process.
EHCP Timeline – Parent FAQs
How long should the EHCP process take?
The EHCP process should normally take no longer than 20 weeks from the request for an EHC needs assessment to the final plan.
How long does the local authority have to decide whether to assess?
The local authority must decide within six weeks whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment.
What happens if the local authority refuses the assessment?
Parents have the right to challenge or appeal the decision.
Why do EHCP assessments sometimes take longer than 20 weeks?
Delays may occur due to shortages of specialists, delays in reports, or administrative backlogs.
Can parents request updates during the process?
Yes. Parents can contact the local authority at any stage to request updates about the assessment.
Explore more EHCP guidance
Understanding the EHCP timeline can help parents know what to expect during the assessment process. If you would like a broader overview of Education, Health and Care Plans, 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 request an assessment, our guide on how to apply for an EHCP explains the steps involved in starting the process. 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. If the local authority decides not to assess your child or refuses to issue a plan, our guide on EHCP refused – what to do next explains the options available to parents.