Request for EHC Needs Assessment
Parent's written request to a local authority for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment for a child or young person.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Your child has or may have special educational needs that the school cannot meet from delegated SEN support funding, and you want the LA to consider issuing an EHCP.
When NOT to use this template
If you want general SEN Support short of an EHCP — speak to the school's SENCO first. Once requested, the LA must decide within 6 weeks; refusal triggers a 2-month appeal window.
Legal Basis
Section 36 Children and Families Act 2014; SEND Regulations 2014; SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years).
Before you send
- Sending the request without supporting professional evidence — adds delay
- Asking the school to make the request without sending your own — both options are valid; parent requests are best for paper trail
- Missing the 2-month appeal deadline if refused
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Sending the request without supporting professional evidence — adds delay
- ✗Asking the school to make the request without sending your own — both options are valid; parent requests are best for paper trail
- ✗Missing the 2-month appeal deadline if refused
Build Your Letter
Fill in your details
Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.
Letter preview
[Parent's Name]
[Parent's Address]
[Telephone] [Email]
[LOCAL AUTHORITY NAME] — SEND Department
[LOCAL AUTHORITY ADDRESS]
Date: [DATE]
Dear Sir or Madam,
Request for EHC Needs Assessment under section 36 Children and Families Act 2014
I am the parent of [CHILD'S NAME], date of birth [CHILD'S DATE OF BIRTH], who attends [SCHOOL NAME] in Year [YEAR GROUP].
I request that [LOCAL AUTHORITY NAME] carries out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment for [CHILD'S NAME] under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
1. The child's needs
[DESCRIPTION OF NEEDS]
2. Why an EHCP may be necessary
The school has provided SEN Support including [SEN SUPPORT ALREADY PROVIDED]. Despite this, [CHILD'S NAME]'s needs are not being adequately met and{,} in my view{,} require more support than the school can provide from its delegated SEN budget. Specifically:
[WHY EHCP MAY BE NECESSARY]
3. Evidence enclosed
[EVIDENCE ENCLOSED]
4. Legal framework
Under section 36(8) of the 2014 Act, the LA must decide whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment if it is of the opinion that:
(a) the child or young person has or may have special educational needs; and
(b) it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made for the child or young person in accordance with an EHC plan.
The threshold is low and you should not refuse based on the school not having already used a "graduated approach" if the evidence suggests the child's needs exceed normal SEN Support.
5. Timescale
Under section 36(7), you must notify me of your decision within 6 weeks of this request. If you refuse, I have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND).
Please confirm receipt and the date of your decision.
Yours sincerely,
[PARENT'S NAME]Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.