School Support / Advice & next steps
School support and when to consider an EHCP
Deciding to explore an EHCP is a significant step. It is natural to feel uncertain about the process; focusing on the evidence of your child’s unmet needs will guide you.
Quick answer
Consider an EHC needs assessment when a child may need a coordinated statutory assessment and special educational provision beyond what is ordinarily available through SEN Support. There is no requirement to exhaust every possible school intervention or obtain a diagnosis first, but clear evidence of needs, support tried and continuing impact is helpful.
What this means
An EHCP is not simply a more detailed school plan. The first formal step is an EHC needs assessment request to the responsible local authority. Before deciding, ask what school support is in place, whether specialist advice is needed and which unmet needs may require coordinated assessment across education, health and care.
This means showing the Local Authority that the child has significant, long-term barriers to learning that require consistent, specialist support to make progress.
The evidence you collect—such as school reports, professional assessments, and records of previous interventions—forms the backbone of an EHCP application.
Questions to ask
Which needs remain unmet despite SEN Support? • What further assessment is required? • Which provision may need coordination through an EHC plan?
Local Northamptonshire route
North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council use separate EHC request contacts and information. Use the authority responsible for the child and check its current form or submission instructions. The relevant SENDIASS service offers 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 and schools can request an assessment without paid representation. Independent advice is optional if evidence is complex or a refusal is being challenged.
What happens next?
The local authority considers whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary. No report or school recommendation guarantees the decision. Keep school support under review while the request is considered.
Support that may help
School SENCO, SENDIASS, Educational Psychologist, Local Authority SEN team.
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.