How to prepare an EHC needs-assessment request
A useful EHC needs-assessment request explains the child or young person’s possible special educational needs, the support already tried and why provision through a plan may be necessary. You can use existing evidence. A private diagnosis or report is not a universal requirement.
Practical guidance for families in England
Start with the statutory question
Identify the child or young person and their education setting. State that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Explain why they have or may have SEN and why it may be necessary for provision to be made through an EHC plan.
Guidance checked on 15 September 2026. Keep the decision letter, relevant plan or request, and the dates that apply to your case.
Describe needs through daily examples
Instead of “school is impossible”, describe what happens: the task or situation, the difficulty, how often it occurs, support needed and the effect on access to education. Include strengths and successful adjustments. Explain differences between home and school without assuming that either account is the complete picture.
Attach a focused evidence bundle
Useful material can include SEN support plans, assess-plan-do-review records, progress and attendance information, professional advice and the child’s views. Index the documents by date and author. Mark important passages. If evidence is missing, explain what assessment is needed and why, rather than presenting the absence as proof there is no need.
Use a short request structure
1. Who the request concerns. 2. Their needs and strengths. 3. Support already tried and its effect. 4. What remains unmet or unclear. 5. Why a plan may be necessary. 6. Relevant attachments and communication adjustments. End by asking for confirmation of receipt and the six-week decision date.
Before sending
Check names, contact details, dates, attachment labels and the correct council route. Keep the final version and proof of delivery. Ask the young person about their views and rights where relevant. Your local SENDIASS can help explain the process without charge; paid support should address an identified task or evidence gap.
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 tests the law does not impose
Do not assume you must show a particular diagnosis, a specified budget spent, or a fixed number of failed support cycles. Existing SEN support evidence is helpful, but the authority must apply the statutory assessment test. Keep descriptions accurate and include improvement achieved with support.
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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
Can parents request an assessment without the school agreeing?
Yes. A parent can make a request. School evidence may still be useful, and disagreement should be described factually.
How long should the request be?
There is no universal ideal page count. Make the statutory case clear, use a short evidence index and include the relevant detail needed to understand the individual.
Should I wait for a private assessment?
Not automatically. Consider whether the existing evidence supports a request now and whether further advice can be gathered during the statutory assessment.
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.