What evidence does my child need for an EHCP?
The evidence needed depends on the decision being made and the needs that remain unclear. Start with existing school or college information, professional advice, the child or young person’s views and your own observations. Identify the question a new assessment would answer before buying another report.
Practical guidance for families in England
Match evidence to the stage
An assessment request explains possible SEN and why provision through a plan may be necessary. A draft review checks needs and specified provision. An appeal addresses the particular decision and remedy sought. An annual review examines progress, current needs and changes. The same document may help at several stages, but its purpose should be clear.
Guidance checked on 15 September 2026. Keep the decision letter, relevant plan or request, and the dates that apply to your case.
Start with the existing record
Collect support plans, progress information, attendance where relevant, professional reports and current plan or decision documents. Make an index with date, author and purpose. Check what statutory advice the authority should obtain during assessment. Missing advice may call for a request or clarification rather than immediate private instruction.
Choose expertise for the question
Educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, medical or social-work evidence may be relevant to different needs. Ask whether the professional can assess the actual issue and explain required support. No child automatically needs every discipline, and a diagnostic report may not specify educational provision.
Include the child and family
Record views in the child’s preferred communication format. Use dated examples of daily functioning, support and its effect, including strengths and variation. Explain how demands or environments differ across settings. Distinguish observations from conclusions that require professional expertise.
Make a gap list before spending
For each unresolved issue, note existing evidence, what remains unanswered, who could answer it, the deadline and cost. Consider focused clarification first. If commissioning work, agree consent or authority, records, adjustments, report scope and any attendance or follow-up fee in writing.
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.
Ask for usable recommendations
A useful report identifies needs, the evidence and method, required support, delivery details where appropriate, and limitations. Ask how recommendations relate to the plan’s sections. The author should explain uncertainty and alternatives, not promise a tribunal outcome or simply repeat a preferred service package.
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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
Does my child need a diagnosis for an EHCP request?
No. The assessment test can apply where the child or young person may have SEN. Functional needs and support evidence are important.
Should I commission an educational psychologist first?
It depends on the unanswered question and existing statutory advice. Choose the expertise needed for the specific gap, rather than a fixed order of private assessments.
Is a longer report better?
Not necessarily. Relevant evidence, clear reasoning and specific, justified recommendations are more useful than length alone.
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.