What happens after you request an EHC Needs Assessment?
Once you submit a request, the Local Authority has 6 weeks to decide whether to carry out an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA).
Decision stage (Weeks 0–6)
The Local Authority reviews the information provided and decides whether an assessment is needed.
If the Local Authority agrees to assess
They will gather information about your child or young person’s needs. This usually takes up to 10 weeks and includes advice from:
- You and your child or young person
- Their nursery, school or college
- An Educational Psychologist (EP)
- Health professionals
- Social care (if involved)
Full timeline at a glance
- Week 0: Request for assessment is submitted
- Weeks 1–6: Decision on whether to assess
- Weeks 6–12: Assessment and advice gathered
- Weeks 12–16: Decision on whether to issue an EHCP
- Weeks 16–20: Draft EHCP issued and final plan completed
The whole process should take no more than 20 weeks.
After the assessment
Once all advice has been collected, the Local Authority will decide whether your child or young person needs an EHCP.
If they decide to issue a plan:
- They must work closely with you and your child or young person
- Your views, wishes, and feelings must be included
- You can express a preference for a nursery, school, or college
Not all assessments lead to an EHCP. Sometimes the assessment shows that needs can be met through SEN Support without a plan.
If you disagree with a decision
If the Local Authority decides:
- not to carry out an assessment, or
- not to issue an EHCP
you have the right to mediation and appeal.