How to request an EHCP assessment
Any parent can request an EHC needs assessment from their local authority. This guide explains who to contact, what to include, and what the process looks like from there.
After reading this guide you can:
- Know how to submit a formal EHC needs assessment request
- Understand what evidence to include with your request
- Know the key decision timelines the local authority must follow
Requesting an EHC needs assessment is the first formal step towards getting an EHCP. You do not need a school's permission to do this. You can request it yourself as a parent.
Who can request an assessment
The following people can request an EHC needs assessment:
- A parent or carer
- A young person aged 16 to 25 (for themselves)
- A school, college, or other educational institution
If a school has been reluctant to support you, you can go directly to the local authority yourself.
Who to contact
Send your request to the SEND team at your local authority. This is usually found on the council website under "Special Educational Needs" or "SEND."
Your request should go to the Head of SEND or the EHC Needs Assessment team. Many local authorities have a specific email address or online form for this.
Tip
Call the SEND team first to confirm the exact email address or form to use. Then follow up in writing so you have a record.
What to include in your request
Your request does not need to be long or formal. It does need to be clear. Include:
- Your child's name, date of birth, and current school
- A clear statement that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment
- A description of your child's needs — what they find difficult, what support is already in place, and why it is not enough
- Evidence — include anything you have. Reports from professionals, letters from school, your own written account. More is better.
- Your contact details
You can write this as a letter or email. There is no required format.
Note
The local authority cannot refuse to accept your request because it is not in a specific format. Any clear written request is valid.
What happens after you submit
The local authority has 6 weeks from receiving your request to decide whether to carry out the assessment.
They will tell you:
- Yes — they will carry out the assessment
- No — they will not assess
If they say no, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
The full assessment timeline
Once the assessment begins, the full process has a legal time limit of 20 weeks from the date of your request to the issuing of a final EHCP.
| Stage | Timeframe | |---|---| | Decision to assess | Within 6 weeks of request | | Assessment completed | Within 6 weeks of agreeing to assess | | Draft EHCP issued | Within 2 weeks of assessment completion | | Final EHCP issued | Within 20 weeks total from request |
These are legal deadlines. If the local authority misses them, you can challenge this.
If they refuse to assess
If the local authority refuses to carry out an assessment, they must give you written reasons. You can:
- Ask them to reconsider — send additional evidence and ask for a review
- Appeal to the SEND Tribunal — you have 2 months from the decision letter to register an appeal
IPSEA and SENDIASSs (local advisory services) can help you with this.
What to do next
- 1
Write your request letter or email
Keep it clear and factual. Include your child's name, their needs, what support they have, and why it is not enough.
- 2
Gather your evidence
Attach any reports, letters, or school documents you have. Your own written account of your child's needs counts too.
- 3
Send it to your local authority SEND team
Check the council website for the correct contact. Follow up to confirm receipt.
- 4
Note the 6-week decision deadline
Add it to your SENVault timeline so you can track whether they respond in time.