Section 1Requesting an EHC needs assessment — parental letter
What this question is really asking: You can request an EHC needs assessment yourself (the school can too). This is the letter or form that starts the 20-week process. The LA must respond within 6 weeks.
What they are looking for: The LA needs to see that your child has or may have special educational needs that require provision beyond what a school can typically deliver from its own budget. Specific, factual evidence is far more effective than general concerns.
I am a parent requesting an EHC needs assessment for my [age]-year-old child. Write a letter to the local authority that:
1. States clearly that I am requesting an EHC needs assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014
2. Lists my child's diagnoses and/or suspected needs (give specific examples of how they affect daily life at school and at home)
3. Describes the support my child currently receives and why it is not meeting their needs
4. Mentions any professional reports that support the request
5. Uses factual, specific language — not emotional statements
6. Includes [bracketed placeholders] for me to add my child's name, age, diagnosis, school name, and local authority
Keep the tone polite and calm. Just set out the facts clearly — that is what the LA needs to see.
Responding to the draft EHCP — Sections B, E, and F
What this question is really asking: When you receive the draft EHCP (around week 16), you have at least 15 days to comment. The three most important sections to check are Section B (needs), Section E (outcomes), and Section F (provision).
What they are looking for: The LA wants your agreement that the draft is accurate. They are looking for you to flag missing needs, unrealistic outcomes, or inadequate provision. If you stay silent, they assume you agree.
I have received a draft EHCP for my [age]-year-old child and need to respond. Write a structured response that covers:
Section B (needs):
- For each need in the draft, state whether it is accurate or not
- List any needs that are missing (e.g., sensory processing needs, social communication needs, fine motor difficulties)
- Provide a short factual description for each missing need — describe what this looks like for my child
- Use [brackets] where I should insert specific details from my child's reports or my own knowledge
Section E (outcomes):
- For each outcome in the draft, note if the timescale is realistic
- Suggest any missing outcomes that should follow from the needs I have identified
- Each outcome should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
Section F (provision):
- For each need, state what provision is specified and whether it is sufficient
- Provision should be quantified (e.g., "1:1 support for 15 hours per week", "speech therapy 1x weekly for 45 minutes")
- Flag any provision that is vague or not quantified
End with a polite request for the LA to consider these amendments before issuing the final plan.
Annual review — parent contribution form
What this question is really asking: Every year, the LA must review your child's EHCP. You will usually be asked to complete a parent contribution form beforehand. This is your chance to say what is working, what is not, and what needs to change.
What they are looking for: The review panel wants to know whether the current plan is still appropriate and whether outcomes have been met. They need your honest assessment, ideally with evidence.
I am preparing my parent contribution for my [age]-year-old child's EHCP annual review. Write a structured contribution that covers:
1. A brief summary of the past year (what has gone well, what has been difficult)
2. For each outcome in Section E of the current plan:
- Has this outcome been achieved? (yes/partially/no)
- If partially or no, what has been the barrier?
3. Any new needs that have emerged since the last plan was issued
4. Whether the current provision in Section F is still being delivered as written
5. Changes I would like to see in the next plan (amended outcomes, more provision, different placement)
6. Any recent reports or assessments that support my views
Use [bracketed] placeholders where I need to insert my child's details. Keep the tone collaborative.
Challenge letter — refusal to assess or issue a plan
What this question is really asking: If the LA refuses your request for a needs assessment, or refuses to issue a final EHCP after assessment, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. The first step is often a formal letter asking the LA to reconsider.
What they are looking for: The LA's refusal will cite specific reasons (e.g., 'no evidence of special educational needs'). Your challenge must address each reason directly with evidence. A well-written challenge can sometimes reverse the decision without going to tribunal.
I am writing to challenge my local authority's decision to [refuse an EHC needs assessment / refuse to issue an EHCP] for my [age]-year-old child. Write a formal challenge letter that:
1. References the LA's decision letter (include the date and reference number)
2. Addresses each reason given by the LA, point by point, with evidence that contradicts or undermines their reasoning
3. Cites the relevant legal framework (Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice)
4. Requests a formal reconsideration within [14] days
5. States that if the decision is not overturned, I intend to appeal to the SEND Tribunal
6. Attaches or references supporting evidence (reports, letters from professionals)
Use [bracketed] placeholders for my child's name, the LA name, dates, and specific details from the refusal letter.
