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EHCP Help

Select the stage that best matches your situation and we’ll guide you to the most relevant information and support.

New to EHCPs? Start here

If you are not sure what an EHCP is or how to get one, start with the basics below. You can then choose the stage that best matches your situation.

01 · The plan

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document for children and young people with special educational needs who need more support than is usually available through ordinary SEN support.

02 · Your situation

When might you ask for one?

You may want to consider an EHC needs assessment if your child’s needs are not being fully met, support in school is not enough, or professionals are recommending more detailed assessment or provision.

03 · First formal step

How do you start?

The first formal step is to ask your local authority for an EHC needs assessment. This assessment process decides whether an EHCP may be needed. You can make the request yourself.

04 · Useful evidence

What should you prepare?

It can help to gather school evidence, examples of support already tried, professional reports, emails, attendance or behaviour records, communication notes and anything showing unmet need.

How to request an EHC needs assessment

Choose my EHCP stage

Where are you in the EHCP process?

I haven’t applied yet

I want to understand whether an EHCP might be appropriate and how to request an assessment.

I have requested an EHC needs assessment

I’ve submitted a request and want to understand what happens next.

The local authority refused to assess

I need to understand my options after a refusal to assess.

An EHCP has been issued

I want help understanding, reviewing or improving the plan.

An annual review is due

I need to prepare for an annual review or understand what should happen.

I’m dealing with an appeal or tribunal

I need help with a dispute, refusal, contents of a plan, placement or tribunal process.

I’m not sure where I am in the process

Start with the basics: what an EHCP is, whether it may be relevant, and common situations.

Choose the stage that best matches your situation to see tailored next steps.

Where are you in the EHCP process?

I haven’t applied yet

I want to understand whether an EHCP might be appropriate and how to request an assessment.

I have requested an EHC needs assessment

I’ve submitted a request and want to understand what happens next.

The local authority refused to assess

I need to understand my options after a refusal to assess.

An EHCP has been issued

I want help understanding, reviewing or improving the plan.

An annual review is due

I need to prepare for an annual review or understand what should happen.

I’m dealing with an appeal or tribunal

I need help with a dispute, refusal, contents of a plan, placement or tribunal process.

I’m not sure where I am in the process

Start with the basics: what an EHCP is, whether it may be relevant, and common situations.

Choose the stage that best matches your situation to see tailored next steps.

Where are you in the EHCP process?

I haven’t applied yet

I want to understand whether an EHCP might be appropriate and how to request an assessment.

I have requested an EHC needs assessment

I’ve submitted a request and want to understand what happens next.

The local authority refused to assess

I need to understand my options after a refusal to assess.

An EHCP has been issued

I want help understanding, reviewing or improving the plan.

An annual review is due

I need to prepare for an annual review or understand what should happen.

I’m dealing with an appeal or tribunal

I need help with a dispute, refusal, contents of a plan, placement or tribunal process.

I’m not sure where I am in the process

Start with the basics: what an EHCP is, whether it may be relevant, and common situations.

Choose the stage that best matches your situation to see tailored next steps.

Independent guidance for families

SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by Send Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.