Outcomes from a request for EHC needs assessment

To determine whether an EHC needs assessment is required, in accordance with the Children and Families Act, the local authority (LA) considers whether a child or young person (CYP) has, or may have, special educational needs and; whether it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made in accordance with an EHC Plan.   

• The local authority must inform the child’s parent or the young person of their decision whether or not to proceed with a needs assessment within a maximum of six weeks from receiving a request for an EHC needs assessment.
• If the LA decide not to proceed with an education, health and care needs assessment it will notify the child and young person of the reasons for this decision and if appropriate signpost to other services.
• If the LA intends to conduct an EHC needs assessment, the child’s parent or the young person is fully included from the start and made aware of opportunities to offer views and information. The local authority will gather advice from relevant professionals about the child or young person’s education, health and care needs, desired outcomes and special educational, health and care provision that may be required to meet identified needs and achieve desired outcomes.
• Following the EHC needs assessment and within 16 weeks of the request for EHC needs assessment, the Local Authority will inform the child or young person whether it intends to issue an EHC plan and of the reasons for its decision.
• If the LA does not issue an EHC plan feedback collected during the EHC needs assessment process will be shared.  This information can then inform how the outcomes sought for the child or young person can be achieved through special educational provision made by the early years provider, school or post-16 institution and co-ordinated support from other agencies.  The LA will also ensure that the child’s parent or the young person are aware of the resources available to meet SEN within mainstream provision.
• If the LA decides to issue an EHC plan, a draft plan will be sent to parents or the young person. Following consultation with the parent or young person the draft plan is amended where needed, and a final plan must be issued within 20 weeks.