Deciding if an EHC needs assessment is appropriate (weeks 1 to 6)

The EHC needs assessment is a detailed process that takes 20 weeks. An EHC needs assessment does not always lead to a child or young person receiving an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). For example, the local authority might decide that the child’s or young person’s needs can be met by the nursery, school or college through special educational needs support.

Once the council receives a request for an EHC needs assessment, the local authority have up to 6 weeks to decide whether to carry out an assessment.

The local authority will speak to your child’s school or other setting for information to help decide the next steps. The local authority will let you know their decision within 6 weeks.

The local authority can refuse a request if they do not think your child needs an assessment.

They may decide that:

  • there is not enough evidence of your child’s difficulties
  • the nursery, school or college your child attends can provide all the help your child needs

The local authority will give you feedback if they decide not to proceed with an assessment.

If you do not agree, you have the right of appeal to tribunal. Find out more about Mediation and Disagreement Resolution  by clicking the links below: