EHCP Help / Northamptonshire
EHCP Help in Northamptonshire
Plain-English guidance for Northamptonshire families trying to understand EHCPs, EHC needs assessments, refusals, annual reviews and school support.
Quick answer
An EHCP is usually considered when a child or young person may need more support than is normally available through ordinary SEN support. The first formal step is usually to request an EHC needs assessment from the local authority.
New to EHCPs? Start here
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.
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, school support is not enough, or professionals recommend more detailed assessment or provision.
How do you start?
The first formal step is usually to ask your local authority for an EHC needs assessment. This process decides whether an EHCP may be needed.
What should you prepare?
Gather school evidence, examples of support already tried, professional reports, emails, attendance or behaviour records, communication notes and anything showing unmet need.
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is intended for children and young people whose special educational needs require more support than is normally available through ordinary SEN support. It should describe needs, outcomes, provision and placement.
How does the EHCP process usually start?
The first formal step is usually to request an EHC needs assessment. A parent, carer, young person aged 16–25, school or professional can ask the local authority to consider whether an assessment is needed.
Which local authority route applies?
In Northamptonshire, the right route may depend on whether your child lives in West Northamptonshire or North Northamptonshire. Before sending a request or checking local guidance, make sure you are using the correct local authority information.
What evidence can help?
• School SEN support records
• Individual support plans
• Emails or meeting notes from school
• Reports from teachers, SENCO or professionals
• Speech and language, occupational therapy, autism or ADHD reports where relevant
• Attendance or behaviour records where relevant
• Examples of unmet need at home or school
What if school support is not working?
Ask school what support is in place, what has been tried, what outcomes are being targeted and when support will be reviewed. If needs remain unmet, EHCP guidance may be relevant.
What if the local authority refuses to assess?
A refusal can feel discouraging, but it does not mean the process has to stop. Read the decision letter carefully, note any deadline, compare the reasons with the evidence already provided and consider independent SEND advice before deciding what to do next.
Free support and useful links
You may want to look at these free resources before deciding whether you need further support. Some are national resources and some are local Northamptonshire routes.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
West Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people in North Northamptonshire.
Professional help is available if needed
Many families start by reading free guidance or speaking to school, SENDIASS or the local authority. Some families also choose professional help if evidence is complex, school support is unclear, or they feel unsure about next steps. You do not have to use a professional to start the process.
SEND advocate · Independent SEND adviser · Educational psychologist · Speech and language therapist · Occupational therapist
Related guidance
Support across Northamptonshire
SEND Lantern helps families across Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley and surrounding areas understand the EHCP process and explore relevant support. Procedures and local services may vary depending on whether you live in North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire.
Need help finding the right SEND support?
Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll help you understand what type of support may be relevant.
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.