EHC Needs Assessment Request

Who it's for: parents in England who want to ask their local authority for an EHC needs assessment themselves. It's written for a first request for a child below compulsory school-leaving age.

Learning outcomes. Parents will be able to:

• explain the section 36(8) legal test and why "may" matters
• gather, number and present evidence that supports a request
• write a clear request letter that links needs to evidence
• track the 6, 16 and 20-week timescales and the minimum 15-day draft plan period
• know what to do if the request is refused, including mediation and appeal deadlines

Contents:

1. Start here
2. Understand the assessment test, and common myths
3. Your request letter (3 fillable pages)
4. A completed example
5. Evidence checklist and index
6. Impact diary
7. Phrase bank
8. Deadline tracker
9. If the answer is no
10. Common reasons for refusal, and how to respond
11. Before you send
12. Sources and further help

Media:

• PDF pack: 16 pages, about 4,400 words, 70 fillable fields and tickable checklists