How to apply for an EHCP:

What parents need to know

If school has told you your child "won't qualify" for an EHCP, or that you need to wait for a diagnosis first, this page is for you. I hear this every single week, and I heard it myself with my own children. The good news is that the law is much kinder to you than most schools make out.

It's OK that you didn't know this stuff, because you never should have had to.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that sets out your child's special educational needs and the support they must get to meet them. Unlike support at school level, the provision in an EHCP is legally binding on the local authority.

The first step towards an EHCP is asking your local authority for an EHC needs assessment. That's what people usually mean when they say "applying for an EHCP".

Do I need the school's permission to apply?

No. You can ask your local authority for an EHC needs assessment yourself, under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014. School can make a request too, but they don't have to agree before you make yours.

If school is saying no, that doesn't stop you. It just means you'll be making the request as a parent. This is completely acceptable and actually what a lot of parents end up doing (myself included!).

What is the legal test?

The local authority must carry out an assessment if your child has or may have special educational needs, and it may be necessary for support to be put in place through an EHCP. Read that again: "has or may have" and "may be necessary". It's a much lower bar than "far enough behind" or "already has a diagnosis". Once the local authority receives your request, it has 6 weeks to tell you whether it will assess. If it says no, you have the right to appeal.

Do I need a diagnosis first?

No. An EHC needs assessment looks at what your child needs, not whether they have a label. Plenty of children get an EHCP without a formal diagnosis, and a diagnosis on its own doesn't mean you need one or guarantee one either. Focus on need: what your child finds hard, what that looks like day to day, and what helps.

The four broad areas of need

The SEND Code of Practice 2015 groups special educational needs into four broad areas. Your child might have needs in one or several of them.

  • Communication and interaction

  • Cognition and learning

  • Social, emotional and mental health

  • Sensory and/or physical

Thinking about your child across all four areas helps you see the whole picture, not just the part school notices.

What evidence helps?

You probably have more than you think. Evidence can include:

  • Reports and letters from school, the GP, CAMHS, therapists or other professionals

  • School reports, attendance records and any support plans

  • Emails where you've raised concerns, and what came back

Your view as a parent counts. You see things at home that school may never see.

Want me to walk you through it?

This is the first step, and it can feel like a lot. However much support you'd like, there's a way I can help, and you choose what feels right.

Learn how to do it yourself: How to Apply for an EHCP workshop. I'll take you through the four areas of need, the evidence you have and the evidence you could get, and what to do if school says your child won't qualify. Find out more HERE

Not sure where to start? SEN Deep Dive & Action Plan. A short questionnaire, then a 45-minute call where I've already read your answers, and a written action plan with your next steps. Book a SEN Deep Dive

Written it yourself? I'll check it. Send me your draft request and evidence, and I'll tell you what to keep, change or add before you send it. Find out more

Rather not do it alone? We'll write it together. I'll build your request with you from scratch, using your child's evidence and your words. Find out more

Already further along, with a draft plan, an Annual Review or a tribunal? Contact for personalised support