EHCP Help in Essex
Use the route for the Local Authority responsible for your child’s SEND or EHCP case. Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council each have their own official process.
Choose the authority that received the request
There is no single Essex-wide EHC needs assessment route. Use the official route for the Local Authority responsible for your child’s case and keep a record of the date it received the request.
Check your indicative EHCP dates
Our calculator gives indicative 6-week, 16-week and 20-week dates from the day the relevant Local Authority received an EHC needs assessment request. It is a planning aid, not legal advice.
Practical next steps
Free statutory and school-based support should come first. Speak with the SENCO, keep copies of evidence and letters, and use SENDIASS or IASS before deciding whether optional independent support may help.
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.