EHCP First Steps Kit

You know your child needs more support at school. Working out whether you can ask for an EHCP, what evidence counts, and how to actually word the request is the hard part.

This kit gives you a clear way through it. Eight tools take you from "do we even qualify?" to a request letter ready to send, with everything organised in between.

You don't need a diagnosis to apply. You don't need the school's permission. You don't need a perfect evidence file. The kit shows you what's actually required, in plain English, and helps you put your case together with confidence.

Everything is based on the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice, and points you to free support from IPSEA, SOS!SEN and your local SENDIASS.

You can print it, write on it, and reuse it as your child's situation changes.

A note on what this is

This kit helps you understand the process, gather your evidence and prepare your request. It is guidance only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee any particular decision by your local authority. For advice specific to your child, contact IPSEA or SOS!SEN.

Instant digital download. Nothing is posted to you.

What's included

Eight tools, across two steps.

Step 1: Getting prepared

• Tool 1 — Do You Need an EHCP? A plain-English decision guide that walks you through the legal test and the signs an EHCP may be right for your child
• Tool 2 — Evidence Collection Log. A running tracker to organise school, professional, medical and parental evidence in one place
• Tool 3 — "My Child's Story" Narrative Planner. Writing prompts across all four areas of need, with vague-versus-strong examples so your account carries weight
• Tool 4 — Professionals Involved Tracker. A contact log for every professional involved with your child, with prompts on when and how to chase reports

Step 2: Making the request

• Tool 5 — EHCP Request Letter Template. A fill-in-the-blank letter citing section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014, with guidance on what to write and how to send it
• Tool 6 — "Unlawful Reasons" Myth-Buster. The refusal reasons local authorities use that aren't supported by law, and what the law actually says
• Tool 7 — Submission Checklist. Everything to include before you send, plus how to send it and what to keep
• Tool 8 — 20-Week Statutory Timeline Tracker. Each stage of the process with the statutory deadlines, so you know what should happen and when

Who it's for

• Parents in England who think their child needs more support than they're getting
• Parents not sure whether their child qualifies for an EHCP
• Parents who've been told their child is "coping" or "not bad enough"
• Parents with no diagnosis yet who want to know if they can still apply
• Parents who are ready to apply and want the wording and paperwork right
• Parents who've already applied and want to track the local authority's deadlines

It is not a legal service and it won't make decisions for you. It's a preparation tool.

Why parents use it

• Plain English, no jargon and no assumed knowledge
• Based on the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice
• A real request letter template, not just blank pages
• Shows you what you don't need (a diagnosis, school permission, an EP report first)
• Points you to free support: IPSEA, SOS!SEN, SENDIASS
• Print it, write on it, reuse it as things change
• Instant download, yours to keep

Important

This resource is for guidance only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee any particular outcome. It applies to England only and reflects the law current as of April 2026. For advice specific to your child's situation, contact IPSEA or SOS!SEN.

Instant digital download. No physical product will be shipped.

After you've applied

Once you've sent your request, the local authority will ask for your parental views. That's the part many parents find hardest. The Parental Contribution Kit walks you through every section in plain English, with worked examples, so you write with confidence rather than guesswork. Available from familydailytoolkit.com.

FAQ

Do I need a diagnosis to apply? No. You can request an EHC needs assessment without a diagnosis. The legal test is whether your child has, or may have, special educational needs. The kit explains this and helps you present what you already have.

Do I need the school's permission? No. You can request an assessment yourself at any time. The kit includes the request letter template to do it.

Is this legal advice? No. It's a preparation and organisation tool, based on the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. For advice specific to your child, it points you to IPSEA and SOS!SEN.

What format is it and can I print it? A printable PDF. Fill it in by hand or on screen, on a phone, tablet or computer.

Refund note

Because this is an instant download, it can't be returned once accessed.