EHCP Process

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Home E EHCP Process

Please see the usual process and indicative timing for applying for an EHCP below.

For recipients of an EHCP you can expect it be reviewed annually, and for children under 5 the reviews are every 6 months. The reviews give all parties an opportunity to review progress and suggest changes.

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Weeks 1-6

A parent or school makes a request for an EHC Needs Assessment to the Local Authority (LA).

This letter states why you think your child has special educational needs and why their needs cannot be met without additional support.

Within 6 weeks you will receive a letter from your LA with a decision about the request, and their rationale.

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Weeks 6-12

If an EHC Needs Assessment is granted then parties who are contacted for information have a legal requirement of 6 weeks to respond.

Based on supplied information the LA should decide whether or not to issue an EHC Plan (EHCP) by week 12.

The draft EHCP will be sent to the parents and all parties who contributed to the EHC Needs Assessment.

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Weeks 13-16

If the LA decides to issue an EHCP by week 12 then it must issue the draft version by week 14.

Once the draft EHCP has been issued the parents have 15 days to respond with their comments and changes, to name the type of school (mainstream / specialist), and/or the specific school they want named on the EHCP and, if desired, request a meeting with the LA.

The LA must consult with the school specified by the parents and the school must respond with its decision within 15 days. All responses from schools will be shared with the parents.

If the LA decides not to issue an EHCP by week 12 then it must notify the parents of their decision, and their right to appeal, by week 16.

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