EHCP Help / Advice & next steps
What happens after requesting an EHC needs assessment?
You have started the formal process. You do not need to work everything out at once.
Quick answer
After an EHC needs assessment request, the local authority should consider the information and normally decide within six weeks whether it will assess. Keep the acknowledgement and every letter, continue with school SEN Support, and ask for written clarification if you do not know which stage you have reached.
What this means
An EHC needs assessment request begins a statutory process; it does not automatically create an EHCP. The first decision is whether the local authority will carry out an assessment. If it agrees, it gathers advice and information to decide whether an EHC plan is needed. If it proposes a plan, you should receive a draft before any final plan is issued. While you wait, keep the request, acknowledgment, school plans, review notes, attendance information and relevant reports together. Ask school what support is being provided now, how it is monitored and when it will be reviewed. A diagnosis is not required for SEN Support or for an EHC needs assessment request. If the authority refuses to assess or later decides not to issue a plan, the decision letter should explain the decision and the available disagreement route. Check it promptly and seek impartial information before deciding what to do next.
While you wait, school should continue to support your child. Keeping your own simple record can make letters, dates and conversations easier to follow.
If the decision is delayed or important evidence seems to be missing, you can ask for clarification or independent advice.
What to do next
Save a copy of the request and everything sent with it.
Note the date the request was received.
Ask school what support will continue while you wait.
Keep a short log of calls, emails and letters.
Check each letter for a decision date or next action.
Check your indicative EHCP dates with our free EHCP Timeline Calculator.
Things to check
Is your request and evidence saved in one place?
Has the local authority confirmed receipt?
Does school know the request has been made?
Is current SEN support still being reviewed?
Are any recent professional reports missing?
Questions to ask
What support or decision is currently in place?
What evidence has been considered or may still be missing?
What is the next action, who is responsible and when should it happen?
Local Northamptonshire route
Families in Northamptonshire can check the relevant local authority SEND route for West Northamptonshire or North Northamptonshire. Local SENDIASS services can offer free, impartial information and support.
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
Many families use free information and school support first. Professional help is optional and may be useful if evidence is complicated, communication has stalled or you want help understanding your choices.
What happens next?
Your next step depends on the decision or stage you are at. Keep records, confirm actions in writing and use free advice before deciding whether additional support would help. Check your indicative EHCP dates with our free EHCP Timeline Calculator at /ehcp-timeline-calculator.
Support that may help
SEND advocate · School SENCO · Educational psychologist
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.