Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment

A request for a EHC Needs Assessment is the first step towards an assessment being agreed and an EHC Plan issued. 

An assessment can be requested by:

• a parent;
• a young person over the age of 16 but under the age of 25;
• an early years setting or school, but only after talking with you first;
• any professional working with the child or young person.

You should work with your child’s school/early years setting before requesting an EHC needs assessment to make sure all possible strategies have been put in place and all available resources have been used appropriately. 

We have created a Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment flow chart

How to apply for an EHC Needs Assessment

Essex Local Authority have created a parent/carer request form and permissions form (links below).  The request form indicates the information that is needed in order to give full consideration to your request for an EHC Needs Assessment.  It is helpful if a permissions form is sent in with all requests for an EHC needs assessment.

EHC Needs Assessment Request Form - Parents/Young People

Permissions form

Alternatively, you can use this IPSEA model letter to make a parental request for an Education, health & Care Needs Assessment.

SEND IASS are offering online sessions monthly for parents and carers who are wanting to make an application.  

This will be a 2 hour session online via Zoom with Essex SEND IASS.  The session will  focus on how to complete the EHCNA request form along with top tips of wordings and evidence suggestions to submit. 

 

Dates for online sessions

 

17^th Sep – 10-12 

23^rd Oct – 10-12

21^st Nov – 10-12

To book, please email us your contacts details/child's details on send.iass@essex.gov.uk or call our helpline on 01245 204338