UK EHCP: How to Make a Request for Needs Assessment.
- Mable Green
- Nov 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Here's how to apply for the UK's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). You can act on your behalf (such as a parent, carer, or teacher) and request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment from your local authority.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an EHC Needs Assessment and Steps When Refused.
1. Make a Request for an EHC Needs Assessment
You can do this if you're:
A parent or carer of a child or young person aged 0–25
A young person aged 16–25 (they can apply for themselves)
A school, nursery, or college (they often do this in consultation with parents)
Support in writing a request
Tip: Include:
Why do you believe the child needs an EHCP
Reports from school, GP, speech/language therapists, etc., if available
2. Wait for the Local Authority's Decision (6 weeks)
The local authority must reply within 6 weeks to say whether they'll carry out a needs assessment.
3. If the LA Agrees to Assess
They will gather:
Educational reports
Medical/health info
Psychological or social assessments
The child's views and those of parents/carers
4. Decision to Issue an EHCP
Once the assessment is complete (within a total of 16 weeks from the start), the local authority decides whether to issue an EHCP.
5. Draft EHCP Sent for Review
If they agree to issue the EHCP, they'll send a draft plan for review. You can:
Suggest amendments
Name your preferred school or setting
6. Final EHCP Issued
The final EHCP must be issued within 20 weeks from the original request date.
📍 Where to Send the Request
Search for "[your council name] EHCP request" online, or visit:
🛑 If You’ve Been Refused an EHC Needs Assessment:
1. Request a Written Explanation
The local authority must explain why they refused. This should be included in their refusal letter. They should also inform you of your right to appeal.
2. Contact SENDIASS for Free Support
Speak to your local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS). They can help:
Explain the reasons
Advice on next steps
Help with appeals or gathering more evidence
3. Gather More Evidence
If possible, collect additional evidence of the child’s needs, such as:
School reports
Educational psychologist or medical reports
Records of interventions that have not worked
Letters from professionals (e.g. GP, therapist)
This can strengthen your case for an appeal or re-request.
4. Consider Appealing to the SEND Tribunal
You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) within 2 months of the decision or 1 month from receiving the mediation certificate—whichever is later.
5. Mediation First (Optional but Encouraged)
Before appealing, you must contact a mediation adviser (details will be in the refusal letter). You don’t have to go through mediation, but you must at least talk to the adviser to get a mediation certificate.
6. Reapply Later if Needed
If things change or you get more evidence, you can reapply for an EHC needs assessment at any time, even after a refusal.
Comments