EHCP GUIDANCE / NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Quick answer
You do not need the school’s permission before making a parental request. The local authority decides whether an assessment is necessary, using the information supplied and evidence it gathers from education, health and care professionals.
What is an EHC needs assessment?
It is the statutory process used to decide whether a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan. It brings together evidence about needs, outcomes and provision. Agreeing to assess does not guarantee that an EHCP will be issued.
Who can request one?
A parent or carer, a young person aged 16–25, an early-years setting, school or college, and certain professionals can make a request. Families can apply directly even if the school would prefer to continue SEN Support first. It is still useful to involve the SENCO because the authority will normally seek evidence from the setting.
Evidence families may wish to gather
Useful evidence can include SEN Support plans and reviews, examples of assess–plan–do–review, attendance or behaviour records where relevant, professional reports, communication with school, the child’s views, parent observations, and specific examples showing where current support is not enough. Quality and relevance matter more than the size of the bundle.
What to include in the request
State that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Add the child’s details, school, strengths and needs, support already tried, progress or continuing difficulty, and why an assessment may be necessary. Ask for written confirmation of receipt and keep a dated copy of everything sent.
What happens after submission?
The authority should acknowledge the request, gather initial information and decide whether to assess within the statutory decision period. It may agree to assess or refuse. If it assesses, it seeks advice from relevant people before deciding whether to issue an EHCP. Read every letter carefully and note any response or appeal deadline.
Where to send the request
North Northamptonshire
Families in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden and surrounding North Northamptonshire areas should use North Northamptonshire Council’s current Local Offer and EHC needs assessment contact route. Check the council page before sending because forms, email addresses and submission arrangements can change.
West Northamptonshire
Families in Northampton, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley and surrounding West Northamptonshire areas should follow West Northamptonshire Council’s current EHC needs assessment route. The North and West councils operate separately, so use the route for the child’s home address rather than the school’s address.
Useful official and free resources
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about SEN support, EHC plans and statutory processes.
External free resource
IPSEA EHC needs assessment guidance
Free legal information about requesting an assessment and local-authority decisions.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire Local Offer
Check the current North Northamptonshire request route and contact details.
External free resource
West Northamptonshire Local Offer
Check the current West Northamptonshire request route and contact details.
Related SEND Lantern guidance
Not sure what your next EHCP step is?
Use SEND Lantern’s calm guidance journey to understand which information or 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.