Children with Complex Needs Service | SEN Team

Kaleidoscope, Rushey Green

LONDON SE6 4JF

SEN Duty Line: 0203 049 1470

Date:14 December 2018

Dear

Education, Health & Care (EHC) Plans

Re:Transfer of Young Persons’ Learning Difficulties Assessment to an Education, Health and Care Plan

Following the Children and Families Act 2014, on 1st September 2014 the Special Educational Needs (SEN) system changed and as a result new Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans are to gradually replace Statements of SEN and Learning Difficulty Assessments (LDAs).

If you have an LDA/s139a and are getting extra support, you can choose to:

  • Carry on getting the same help from your LDA until the end of your time in college/ training, or until September 2016 – whichever comes first; or
  • Request an EHC needs assessment.

If you are happy with current arrangements for your education at your college, feel your needs are met and do not intend to stay in education beyond August 2016, you do not need to do anything. Your LDA will be valid until August 2016 and you will continue to receive the support you currently have.

If, however, you intend to stay in formal education or training beyond August 2016, then it is important that you request an EHC needs assessment for potentially required continued support.

Once your request has been received, the Local Authority will follow a clear process and you will be kept informed at each stage. The decision as to whether you meet the criteria for an EHC plan is for the Authority to determine, having considered your request and the advice of any professionals involved.

For further information regarding Transfer of Young Persons’ Learning Difficulties Assessment to an Education, Health and Care Plan please visit:

[CDC link to flier]

Should you request an EHC needs assessment, you will need to complete a form which includes providing information about yourself in Section A (referred to as My World), and this will form part of Section A of the EHC Plan.

Please do not hesitate to contact the SEN Conversions Teamon 020 3049 1475 if you would like further advice. Alternatively, if you would prefer to have impartial advice, support and guidance you can contact either:

  • Lewisham’s Special Education Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support service, Bellingham Children’s Centre, 109a Randlesdown Road, SE6 3HB, 020 8698 2202.

or

  • Independent Supporter, Contact a Family Lewisham, Leemore Central Community Hub, Bonfield Road, SE13 5EU, 020 8297 8056, mobile 07903044447.

Both services are working together to ensure that you are provided with the right advice and information.

Further information is also available on Lewisham Council’s web site at and on the Department of Education web site at

Yours faithfully

Reinhild Onuoha

SEN Operational Manager