EHCP Help / Advice & next steps

Questions to ask your SENCO

A short list of questions can make school meetings feel clearer.

Quick answer

Ask what support is happening now, what outcome it aims to achieve and when it will be reviewed.

What this means

Ask what support is in place, what has been tried and what will happen next.

The SENCO can explain how needs are identified, supported and reviewed.

You can ask for explanations and agreed actions in writing.

What to do next

Things to check

Questions to ask

Local Northamptonshire route

Local SENDIASS services can offer free impartial information.

West Northamptonshire Council

North Northamptonshire Council

Free support and useful links

GOV.UK SEND and EHCP information — Open resource

IPSEA EHC needs assessments — Open resource

SEND Code of Practice — Open resource

Professional help is available if you need it

Professional help is optional.

What happens next?

Keep a written record of agreed actions and dates.

Support that may help

School SENCO · Class teacher · SENDIASS · Independent SEND adviser

Helpful free resources

Free resource

How to request an EHC needs assessment

Understand the first formal step towards an EHCP and what to prepare before you ask.

Helps with

Starting the process, evidence and who to contact

Read advice & next steps

Free resource

EHCP evidence tracker

Keep reports, messages and key dates together.

Helps with

Evidence, key dates and next steps

Read advice & next steps

Free resource

Understanding EHCP deadlines

Track important dates without memorising the whole process.

Helps with

Evidence, key dates and next steps

Read advice & next steps

Free resource

When to seek independent SEND advice

Understand when an independent conversation may help.

Helps with

Evidence, key dates and next steps

Read advice & next steps

Free resource

EHCP appeal and tribunal next steps

Organise decisions, evidence and important dates.

Helps with

Evidence, key dates and next steps

Read advice & next steps

View all EHCP resources

Find relevant providers

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SEND Compass provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.