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.
Why Was My EHCP Refused?
An EHCP request may be refused if the local authority believes a child’s needs can be met through SEN support at school without issuing an Education, Health and Care Plan. Refusals often occur when there is insufficient evidence that the child requires additional provision beyond what a school can normally provide. Parents have the right to challenge this decision through mediation or an appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Key Takeaways
EHCP requests are sometimes refused if the local authority believes school SEN support can meet the child’s needs.
Refusals may occur when there is insufficient evidence showing the child requires EHCP-level support.
Schools are often expected to provide graduated SEN support before an EHCP is considered.
Parents can challenge a refusal through mediation or appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Gathering additional evidence from professionals can strengthen a future request or appeal.
When parents request an Education, Health and Care Plan for their child, receiving a refusal from the local authority can be upsetting and confusing. Many parents feel unsure why the request was declined and what it means for their child’s support at school.
Understanding the common reasons why EHCP requests are refused can help parents identify what information may be missing and decide what steps to take next.
Common Reasons an EHCP Request May Be Refused
Local authorities review evidence from schools, parents, and professionals before deciding whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment or issue an EHCP.
Several factors may lead to a refusal.
The Local Authority Believes SEN Support Is Sufficient
One of the most common reasons for refusal is when the local authority believes the child’s needs can be met through SEN support provided by the school.
Schools are expected to follow a graduated approach, where they:
assess the child’s needs
plan support
implement interventions
review progress
If the authority believes this process has not yet been fully explored, it may refuse an EHCP.
Insufficient Evidence of Educational Impact
Local authorities need evidence showing that the child’s needs significantly affect their ability to access education.
If reports or documentation do not clearly demonstrate this impact, the authority may decide that an EHCP is not necessary.
Evidence often considered includes:
school reports
professional assessments
records of interventions
examples of difficulties in school
Limited Professional Evidence
Another reason for refusal may be the absence of specialist reports or professional advice.
Professionals who may provide useful evidence include:
educational psychologists
speech and language therapists
occupational therapists
medical professionals
These reports can help explain how the child’s needs affect learning and what support may be required.
The Graduated Approach Has Not Been Fully Tried
Schools are expected to provide support through the graduated approach before an EHCP is considered.
If the local authority believes the school has not yet tried enough interventions or support strategies, it may decide an EHCP is not necessary at this stage.
What Parents Can Do After an EHCP Refusal
If an EHCP request is refused, parents still have options.
Possible next steps include:
requesting mediation
appealing the decision to the SEND Tribunal
gathering additional professional evidence
continuing SEN support at school while considering further action
Understanding the reasons behind the refusal can help parents decide the most appropriate course of action.
Why Was My EHCP Refused FAQ
Does an EHCP refusal mean my child cannot receive support?
No. Schools can still provide SEN support even if an EHCP is not issued.
Can parents challenge an EHCP refusal?
Yes. Parents can request mediation or appeal to the SEND Tribunal if they disagree with the decision.
Can parents request another EHCP assessment later?
Yes. Parents can submit a new request if additional evidence becomes available or the child’s needs change.
Does a refusal mean the child does not have special educational needs?
No. A refusal simply means the local authority believes the child’s needs can currently be supported without an EHCP.
Explore More EHCP Guidance
If your EHCP request has been refused, understanding the next steps can help you decide how to move forward. You may find it helpful to read EHCP Refused – What to Do Next, which explains how parents can respond to a refusal. Our guide on EHCP Appeal Process Explained outlines how mediation and SEND Tribunal appeals work. For a full overview of the EHCP process, you can also explore our complete EHCP guide for parents, where all of our resources are brought together in one place.