Weeks 1-6
A request for an assessment of a child/young person’s education, health and care (EHC) needs can be submitted by the child/young person’s school or setting. If a parent or young person wishes to make a request for an EHC needs assessment, it is important that they discuss this with the school/setting/college. This ensures that all the relevant information required by the Local Authority is received and there is a coordinated approach. Following discussion with the school/setting/college if parents wish to make the request themselves, they should use the form here
Schools/settings/colleges are requested to submit evidence of at least two terms worth of interventions and support that have already been put in place (the Graduated Response). More information here.
At the point that the referral is received by the SEND Assessment & Review Team, the parents/carers or young person and the school are informed that the request has been received. The Local Authority will also contact the parents/carers or young person to gather their views. The parents/carers or young person can request impartial information, advice and support from SENDIASS
The Local Authority will communicate parents/carers or the young person throughout the EHC needs assessment process.
The request and its accompanying evidence will be looked at by the SEND Moderating Group and a decision is made by the Local Authority whether or not to proceed to an EHC needs assessment. This decision will be reached within six weeks. This decision is communicated in writing to the parents/carers or the young person, and to the school setting.