EHCP Application: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents in 2025

Applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can feel overwhelming especially when you’re already juggling the day-to-day realities of supporting a child with special needs. This often adds to the pressure parents face while already

going through the emotional and complex task of advocating for their child. This guide breaks the process into clear, actionable steps, explains key deadlines, and shows how Nellie Supports can lighten the load so your family gets the help it deserves.

What Is an EHCP and Why Might Your Child Need One?

An EHCP is a legally binding document for children and young people aged 0-25 whose needs go beyond the help usually available in a mainstream setting in England.  In Wales, they have a system called Additional Learning Needs (ALN), and children with these needs are supported through Individual Development Plans (IDPs).  It brings education, health and social-care professionals around one table to agree a single, joined-up support plan for your child gov.uk.

Key benefits:

• Access to specialist schools, therapies and equipment.

• Legal guarantee that the agreed support must be delivered.

• Clarity on long-term outcomes, helping your child reach their full potential.

Who Can Request an EHCP Needs Assessment?

• Parents or carers (you don’t need the school’s permission).

• Young people aged 16-25 (they can apply in their own right).

• Teachers, GPs, health visitors, social workers or other professionals involved in the child’s care.

Pro Tip: Attach recent reports from school, therapists or medical professionals—robust evidence speeds up decision-making.

Understanding the 12 EHCP Sections

A. “All About Me” – child’s voice, interests, aspirations. Parents

and carers views.

B. Special educational needs (SEN).

C. Health needs relating to their SEN.

D. Social-care needs linked to their SEN/disability.

E. SMART outcomes across education, health and care.

F. the provision required to meet their needs - type, frequency and hours

G. Health-care provision.

H. Social-care provision.

I. Name and type of educational placement for the child.

J. Personal budget (if agreed).

K. Evidence bank (information gathered during the assessment, advice from professionals and parents)

Only Sections B, F and I are appealable if you disagree with the final plan.

EHCP Application Timeline at a Glance

Stage	What Happens	Statutory Deadline*	Your Role
1. Request submitted	LA decides whether to assess	6 weeks	Send request letter + evidence
2. Needs assessment	Professionals gather reports	up to 10 weeks	Attend assessments, share views
3. Draft EHCP issued	Review, suggest changes	by Week 16	Return comments within 15 days
4. Final EHCP issued	Plan becomes legally binding	by Week 20	Arrange start-date with school

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an EHCP

1. Gather Strong Evidence

Collect school progress data, specialist assessments and your own observations. The clearer the picture, the stronger the case.

2. Write the Request Letter

State that you are asking for an EHC needs assessment under s.36(1) of the Children & Families Act 2014. List your child’s diagnosed (or suspected) needs and explain why current SEN support isn’t enough.

3. Submit to Your Local Authority (LA)

Send the letter by email and recorded post. The LA has six weeks to reply.

4. Participate in the Multi-Disciplinary Assessment

If the LA agrees to assess, professionals (educational psychologist, paediatrician, social worker, etc.) will meet or observe your child. Provide any additional evidence within the timescales they set.

5. Review the Draft Plan

Check every section for accuracy especially Section F (provision) and Section I (placement). You can request edits or name a preferred school.

6. Agree the Final EHCP

Once finalised, the LA must deliver everything in Sections F and G. Keep copies of the plan and timelines for future reviews.

Common EHCP Application Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them

1. Missing evidence → Invest time upfront in gathering recent, detailed reports.

2. Vague outcomes → Insist on specific, measurable goals (e.g., “attend mainstream classroom for 80 % of lessons within 12 months”).

3. Unrealistic provision → Check therapies are quantified (hours per week) and delivered by suitably qualified staff.

4. Delays beyond 20 weeks → Politely remind the LA of statutory deadlines and keep everything in writing.

   
   

How Nellie Supports Simplifies the EHCP Journey

• SEN assessments: We offer a video-based assessment and can complete the EHCP request on your behalf.

• Independent reports the LA must legally consider.

• Application drafting & submission: we handle the paperwork, making the process more manageable.

• Ongoing liaison with you, the schools, the proposed provision and the LA until the final plan is issued.

Need expert support? Book a free 15-minute call with our SEND specialists today and let us turn a daunting process into a clear path forward.