When should I request an EHC needs assessment for my child?

A parent can request an EHC needs assessment if their child has or may have special educational needs that the school cannot meet from delegated SEN support funding. This request asks the local authority to consider issuing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). If you only need general SEN support short of an EHCP, you should speak to the school's SENCO first.

How long does the local authority have to respond to my request?

The local authority must decide whether to carry out an assessment within six weeks of receiving your written request. If they refuse to assess, you have a two-month window to appeal that decision. The request is made under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

Do I need the school to make the request for me?

Both options are valid, but making your own written request is often better for creating a clear paper trail. You do not need to ask the school to make the request on your behalf. However, sending the request without supporting professional evidence, such as reports from educational psychologists or therapists, may add delay to the process.

What happens if the local authority refuses my request?

If the local authority refuses to carry out an assessment, you have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND). You must submit this appeal within two months of the refusal. Missing this two-month deadline means you lose the opportunity to challenge the decision through this specific route.

← All Templates

Education

Education Law

Updated 2026-05-21

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 *.

Date*

Local authority name*

Local authority address*

Child's name*

Child's date of birth*

School name*

Year group*

Description of needs*

SEN Support already provided*

Why EHCP may be necessary*

Evidence enclosed*

Parent's name*

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.

Related Guides

School Sen Appeal

Official Resources

Children and Families Act 2014 Part 3 →SEND Code of Practice →

Frequently asked questions

When should I request an EHC needs assessment for my child?: A parent can request an EHC needs assessment if their child has or may have special educational needs that the school cannot meet from delegated SEN support funding. This request asks the local authority to consider issuing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). If you only need general SEN support short of an EHCP, you should speak to the school's SENCO first.
How long does the local authority have to respond to my request?: The local authority must decide whether to carry out an assessment within six weeks of receiving your written request. If they refuse to assess, you have a two-month window to appeal that decision. The request is made under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
Do I need the school to make the request for me?: Both options are valid, but making your own written request is often better for creating a clear paper trail. You do not need to ask the school to make the request on your behalf. However, sending the request without supporting professional evidence, such as reports from educational psychologists or therapists, may add delay to the process.
What happens if the local authority refuses my request?: If the local authority refuses to carry out an assessment, you have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND). You must submit this appeal within two months of the refusal. Missing this two-month deadline means you lose the opportunity to challenge the decision through this specific route.
What is the legal test for an EHC needs assessment?: The legal threshold for an assessment is low. The local authority must consider whether the child has or may have special educational needs and whether it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made via an EHCP. They should not refuse solely because the school has not used a 'graduated approach' if evidence suggests needs exceed normal SEN support.