The EHCP process: a complete guide for parents
An Education, Health and Care plan records a child or young person’s special educational needs and the provision required to meet them. In England, the route usually runs from a needs-assessment request to a decision, a draft plan and, where necessary, an appeal. Start with the stage your family has reached.
.webp)
Practical guidance for families in England
Choose your starting point
If there is no plan, gather evidence of needs, support tried and progress, then consider an EHC needs-assessment request. If you have a draft, check the needs and provision together before responding. If you have a final decision, read the appeal rights and dates immediately. An annual review is the route for reviewing an existing plan; it does not automatically amend it.
Guidance checked on 15 September 2026. Keep the decision letter, relevant plan or request, and the dates that apply to your case.
Know the main milestones
The local authority normally has six weeks from receipt of the request to decide whether to assess. Where it assesses but decides not to issue a plan, it must normally notify you by week 16. A final plan is normally due by week 20. Specific legal exceptions apply. At draft stage, you must have at least 15 days to make representations and request a placement.
Make the plan work as one document
Section B identifies special educational needs. Section F specifies the special educational provision for each need. Section I names the placement or type of placement. Check that evidence in Section K supports the wording. Health and social-care needs and provision have their own sections, but provision that educates or trains belongs in F even if a health or social-care professional delivers it.
Keep a useful family record
Keep the request and proof of receipt, all decision letters, reports, draft versions and review papers in date order. Use a short log with date, difficulty, support, frequency and effect on learning or daily life. Include the child’s views in their preferred communication format and record what helps, as well as what is difficult.
Your next useful action
Write down your current stage, the date the relevant request or decision was received, the next deadline and the exact issue to resolve. For example: “Draft received on 4 September; respond within the period stated, which must be at least 15 days; ask for weekly direct language provision to be specified in F.” This turns a large process into a manageable next step.
Check the documents for this stage
Keep the relevant request, decision notice or plan together with the evidence referred to above. Record the source of each proposed change and the date on which the next action is due. If two accounts differ, explain the difference and seek clarification rather than omitting one account.
Avoid the common process traps
A diagnosis is neither a guarantee of a plan nor a prerequisite for requesting assessment. There is no universal requirement to buy a private report or complete a fixed number of school support cycles first. Do not wait for a complaint or a new report to finish before checking an appeal deadline.
(1).webp)
Before you take the next step
You should be able to identify the issue, the outcome or information you need, the evidence supporting it and the person responsible for the next action. Keep a copy of what you send and any acknowledgement. The related guides below cover the stages that may follow.
Free information and additional support
Choose help for the question you need answered
Your local SENDIASS offers free information, advice and support. IPSEA also publishes SEND guidance. If a deadline, evidence gap or disputed decision remains unclear, identify the specific question before commissioning paid help. Seek prompt specialist legal advice where an urgent legal remedy may be needed.
How Little Nellie’s can help
Little Nellie’s offers EHCP advocacy, document review, evidence organisation and independent social-work input. Agree the task, deliverable, deadline and fee before instructing. The related service and pricing pages explain the available support.
Little Nellie’s is not a law firm. Its services do not replace the local authority’s statutory duties or guarantee a plan, placement or tribunal outcome. Legal work outside the agreed service scope may require a specialist solicitor.
Related guides and support
Choose the guide for your next question or stage.
Official sources and EHCP services
Official sources: Children and Families Act 2014 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents
SEND Code of Practice — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
SEND appeal guidance — https://www.gov.uk/appeal-ehc-plan-decision
Free SEND guidance — https://www.ipsea.org.uk/
The service links below describe Nellie’s paid support. Check current official instructions when filing an appeal.
Discuss the support you need
Send the relevant decision, plan or request and any deadline when enquiring. Ask which service addresses your specific issue and request a clear scope and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every child with SEND need an EHCP?
No. Many children receive appropriate SEN support without a plan. The statutory assessment and plan tests concern the individual’s needs and whether provision through an EHC plan may be, or is, necessary.
Can I request an assessment myself?
Yes. A parent, an eligible young person, or a person acting on behalf of a school or post-16 institution can request an EHC needs assessment. Use the council’s published route and keep proof of receipt.
Can I challenge the contents of a final plan?
Yes, appeal rights include specified educational parts such as B, F and I. The decision letter should explain the available rights, mediation information and deadline.
Where can I find free SEND information?
Your local SENDIASS provides free information, advice and support. IPSEA publishes guidance on the SEND system. Use the direct links in the sources section and check any service’s current availability.
What should I send when asking Little Nellie’s for help?
Send the relevant request, decision letter or plan, the key evidence and any deadline. Explain the specific task you need help with so the scope and fee can be agreed.
Does this guide apply outside England?
This guide concerns the EHCP framework in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different education and support systems; check guidance for the relevant jurisdiction.