School Support / Advice & next steps
Evidence to gather before requesting an EHCP
You do not need a perfect bundle before raising the issue. Start with the clearest current records and explain what they show about needs, support and impact.
Quick answer
Gather evidence that shows your child’s needs, the support already tried, the progress made and why current arrangements may not be enough. Useful evidence can come from school, health professionals, your child and your own day-to-day observations. A diagnosis is not the only form of evidence.
What this means
An EHC needs assessment request is easier to understand when the evidence tells a connected story: what your child finds difficult, how this affects education, what support has been provided and what remains unresolved. Relevant records may include SEN support plans, assess–plan–do–review notes, progress information, attendance records, professional reports, examples of work, communication with school and the views of your child or young person.
Evidence is useful because of what it explains, not because of how many pages it contains. Highlight current examples, dates, outcomes and any difference between the support described on paper and what is happening in practice.
If a report is old, include it only where it still explains a relevant need and add newer information showing the present position.
Questions to ask
What support has been tried, for how long and with what result?
Which needs are still preventing access, progress or participation?
Are the child or young person’s views recorded in their own words?
What further assessment or specialist advice may be needed to understand provision?
Local Northamptonshire route
North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council are separate local authorities and publish their own SEND and EHC needs assessment information. Use the route for the council responsible for the child or young person and check its current form, email or postal instructions before submitting. The relevant SENDIASS service can provide free impartial information.
Free support and useful links
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
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
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
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Families can prepare and submit a request themselves, and free SENDIASS or IPSEA information may be enough. Independent advice is optional and may help where evidence is extensive, disputed or difficult to organise.
What happens next?
Keep a complete copy and proof of submission. The local authority should consider the request and evidence, then notify you of its decision. If it asks for clarification, answer in writing and keep the request focused on needs, provision and why an assessment may be necessary.
Support that may help
School SENCO · SENDIASS · IPSEA · Independent SEND adviser, if wanted
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
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.