Who can apply, what information you need, and what to expect after you submit a request to your local authority.
8 min read
A request for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment can be made by the child's school or nursery, a parent or carer, or the young person themselves if they are aged 16-25. Health, social care and other professionals can also bring a child or young person to the local authority's attention. You do not need a formal diagnosis to request an assessment - if your child is not making expected progress despite SEN Support, that is a good reason to ask.
When making a request, include evidence of your child's needs and the support already in place. This can include school reports, professional assessments (educational psychologist, speech therapy, occupational therapy), medical records, and examples of why current support is not meeting their needs. The more evidence you provide, the harder it is for the LA to refuse. If the school is making the request, ask to see what they are submitting so you can add your own evidence.
Send your written request to the LA's SEN team or EHCP department. Most LAs have a specific email address or online form for this. Mark the request clearly as a 'Request for an EHC Needs Assessment'. Keep a copy and note the date. The LA must acknowledge receipt and respond with a decision within 6 weeks. If you do not hear back, follow up in writing.
The LA must decide whether an assessment is necessary based on whether the child or young person has or may have special educational needs, and whether they may need special educational provision to be made via an EHCP. They will consider existing evidence and may request further information from the school, educational psychologist, health professionals, and social care. You have the right to submit additional evidence at any point during this process.
Once submitted, the LA has 6 weeks to decide whether to carry out an assessment. If they agree, the full assessment process takes up to 20 weeks from the original request date. If they refuse, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Many families successfully challenge refusals, so do not be discouraged if the initial decision is no.
Last reviewed: 18 June 2026
