Slough SEND Advice and Support Service
Tel: 01753 787693 Email:
EHC needs assessment for children in early years’ settings or at school
When is an EHC assessment necessary?
Schools give children with special educational needs additional help to meet their needs. This is called SEN support.
If your child does not make progress despite SEN support, requesting an EHC needs assessment might be the next step.
The SEND Code of Practice says:
The majority of children and young people with SEN or disabilities will have their needs met within local mainstream early years’ settings, schools or colleges. Some children and young people may require an EHC needs assessment in order for the local authority to decide whether it is necessary for it to make provision in accordance with an EHC plan. (9.1)
Who can ask for an EHC needs assessment?
The following can request an EHC needs assessment:
•parents can request directly with the local authority, though we recommend you talk to school about this first
•a young person over the age of 16 but under the age of 25
•early years setting or school, but only after talking with you first
Professionals, such as a doctor or health visitor, can tell the local authority that they think your child needs an assessment.
You can read Slough Borough Council information, including how to request an EHC needs assessment within the 'Local Offer' web pages.
Before the assessment
How does the local authority decide if an assessment is needed?
The local authority will speak to you, the school, and other professionals to get information. The local authority has six weeks to decide whether to proceed with a needs assessment.
The SEND Code of Practice states:
In considering whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary, the local authority should consider whether there is evidence that despite the early years provider, school or post-16 institution having taken relevant and purposeful action to identify, assess and meet the special educational needs of the child or young person, the child or young person has not made expected progress. (9.14)
What happens if the local authority decides an assessment isn't needed?
By the six-week stage the local authority must tell you why it thinks that an EHC needs assessment is not needed. It must also tell you about:
•your right of appeal
•independent disagreement resolution and mediation
•how to get further information, advice or support
If you disagree with the decision we can explain your options to you.
Global Mediation provide disagreement resolution and mediation in relation to SEND in Slough . If you wish to appeal you must at first consider mediation and obtain a certificate from Global mediation before you can proceed.
The assessment process
The local authority will write to you explaining the assessment process and asking for the views of you and your child.
The local authority must ask for advice from:
•parents
•school or early years setting
•an educational psychologist
•health professionals working with your child
•social care team
•anyone else you ask them to contact who may be able to provide relevant information
You views are very important to the process and we can give you advice and support on how to provide them.
The SEND Code of Practice states:
In considering whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary, local authorities should pay particular attention to the views, wishes and feelings of the child and his or her parent, or the young person. (9.12)
After the assessment
By week 16 the local authority should let you know whether they have decided your child needs an EHC plan or whether their needs can be met through SEN Support. You can appeal at this stage and should read our leaflet on what to do if you disagree with a decision about SEN provision
If the local authority decides an EHC plan is needed they will send you a draft of the EHC plan, including copies of all the reports. Check everything you think is important has been included and that you agree with the outcomes and the proposed provision. We can offer you advice on the draft of the EHC plan.
This is your opportunity to talk to the local authority about any changes you would like them to consider and you'll be asked which school you prefer your child to go to.
The last stage is for the local authority to send you the final EHC plan. If you still don't agree with the final plan you've the right to go to mediation and appeal
EHC Assessment Process Timings:
The local authority receives a request for an EHC needs assessment. The authority must tell parents about this request / This is the start dateThe local authority decides whether an EHC needs assessment is needed. The authority must tell parents about its decision / Within six weeks of the start date
The EHC needs assessment takes place / This starts as soon as the decision is made
EITHER
The local authority tells the parents of the decision not to issue an EHC plan / Within 16 weeks of the start date
OR
The local authority sends a draft EHC plan to parents
Parents must respond to the draft EHC plan. They can:
- agree that the draft is adequate
- ask for changes
- ask for a meeting.
The local authority consults with the school or early years setting / Within 15 days of parents’ response to the draft EHC plan
The local authority issues the final EHC plan / Within 20 weeks of the start date