Week 0: Your request

You send your request for an EHC needs assessment to the local authority. This can be by email or letter - we recommend email so you have proof of the date. The clock starts ticking from the date they receive your request.

Weeks 1 - 6: The decision

The LA has 6 weeks to decide whether to carry out an assessment. They must consider whether the child may have SEN and whether they may need provision beyond what the school can ordinarily provide. If they agree, the assessment begins. If they refuse, they must notify you and explain your right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

Weeks 6 - 16: The assessment

During the assessment, the LA gathers advice from: an educational psychologist, health professionals (e.g., paediatrician, SALT, OT), the school or setting, social care (if relevant), and you - your parental advice is a legal requirement. All advice must be provided within 6 weeks of being requested. This is often where delays happen - chase it.

Week 16: Draft EHCP

If the LA decides to issue an EHCP, they must send you a draft plan by week 16. You then have at least 15 days to comment on the draft and express a preference for school placement. This is a critical stage - make sure the provision in Section F is specific, quantified, and measurable. "Regular speech therapy" is not good enough. "Weekly 45-minute SALT sessions delivered by a qualified therapist" is.

Week 20: Final EHCP

The final EHCP must be issued within 20 weeks of the original request. In practice, many LAs miss this deadline - but the law is clear. If your LA is late, write to them pointing out the statutory timeline and requesting immediate action. If they fail to issue a plan, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal. EHCP Expert can generate all the letters you need at each stage.