Education, health and care (EHC) plans

The Education, Health, and Care (EHC) needs assessment is a structured process to determine whether a child or young person requires an EHC plan (EHCP) to meet their special educational needs. The entire process, from the request for an assessment to the issue of a final EHCP (if approved), should be completed within 20 weeks.

Week 0 to 6: Deciding whether to conduct an EHC needs assessment

Upon receiving a request for an EHC needs assessment, the council has up to six weeks to decide whether to proceed.

A multi-agency panel reviews the request, considering:

• Whether the child or young person has or may have special educational needs (SEN).
• Whether it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made via an EHC plan (often referred to as an EHCP).

The panel may include professionals such as:

• Educational psychologists
• Speech and language therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Community paediatricians
• SEN advisory teachers
• Social workers

Additional evidence can be submitted to support the request.

By the end of week 6, the council will notify you of their decision:

• Proceed with the assessment: The process moves to the next stage.
• Decline the assessment: Reasons will be provided, along with information on alternative support and your rights to appeal.

What the SEND Code of Practice (9.3) says:

‘A local authority must conduct an assessment of education, health and care needs when it considers that it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made for the child or young person in accordance with an EHC plan.’

Week 6 to 16: Conducting an EHC needs assessment

The assessment process involves gathering information from:

• Parents or the young person
• Educational professionals (e.g., teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists)
• Health practitioners (e.g., speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, paediatricians)
• Social care professionals, if applicable

The child or young person, and their parents or carers, are fully involved in the assessment process.

If recent, relevant assessments already exist, and all parties agree they remain valid, new assessments may not be required.

The information gathered will help identify specific needs and recommended provisions.

What the SEND Code of Practice (9.21) says:

Local authorities must consult the child and the child’s parent or the young person throughout the process of assessment and production of an EHC plan.’

By the end of week 16: Decision on whether an EHC plan is required

A multi-agency panel reviews the gathered evidence and decides whether an EHC plan is necessary.

Possible outcomes:

• EHC plan is required: The process moves to the next stage.
• EHC plan is not required: You will be informed of the decision and provided with information on how your child can be supported without an EHC plan. You will also be advised on mediation, dispute resolution, and your right to appeal.

Week 16 to 20: Drafting and issuing an EHC plan

If an EHC plan is required:

• A draft plan is prepared, considering the child's or young person’s needs, aspirations, and the provision required.
• The draft EHC plan is sent to parents/carers or the young person (if aged 16 or over).
• Parents/carers or the young person have 15 days to: review the draft plan, request amendments, request a meeting and express a preference for a school or other setting (mainstream or specialist) You can find out more about your rights to request a particular school or college in the SEND Code of Practice (sections 9.78 to 9.90).

The final EHC plan must be issued by the end of week 20.

What the SEND Code of Practice (9.2) says

The purpose of an EHC plan is to make special educational provision to meet the special educational needs of the child or young person, to secure the best possible outcomes for them across education, health and social care and, as they get older, prepare them for adulthood.’

Implementation and annual review

Once the EHC plan is issued, it is legally binding.

The nursery, school, or college must provide the special educational provision outlined in Section F of the plan.

Social care and health services must deliver any identified support in Sections H1, H2, and G.

Review Process:

• Children aged 5 and above: Annual reviews.
• Children under 5 years old: Reviews every six months.​​​​​​​

Requesting an EHC needs assessment

You can submit an online request for an EHC needs assessment via the council’s website or through your child’s or young person’s education setting.

EHC plan online assessment request

Need more help?

Contact the Information, Advice and Support Service for free, impartial information, advice and support for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Support is also offered to children and young people with SEND. They can also help provide information in a non-web format.