Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment
The local authority’s SEND Assessment and Review Team coordinates the EHC process.
Once a request is recieved, the local authority must make a decision about whether to carry out an EHC Needs Assessment within 6 weeks of the recieved date.. Parents will be informed of the local authority's decision by letter and if an assessment is not agreed, this letter will explain why and give parents the right to appeal.. Suggestions are often made about other ways the child or young person can be supported.
When an EHC Needs Assessment is requested -
- a request for an EHC Needs Assessment is received by the SEND Assessment and Review team
- the information is discussed by a expert panel consisting of Education Psychologists, health representatives, social care representatives and other education professionals. The local authority will consider the information presented and make a decision on whether or not to carry out an EHC Needs Assessment
- the person with parental responsibility is informed of the local authority's decision within 6 weeks of receiving the request for assessment.
-
signed consent from the parent, or young person, must be given before health professionals will share information with the local authority for the EHC Needs Assessment.
EHC Needs Assessment
If the local authority considers it appropriate to carry out an EHC Needs Assessment, reports will be requested from key people, including -
- those with parental responsibility,
- the child or young person (supported as appropriate).
- education settings.
- educational Psychologists.
- health professionals.
- social care professionals.
- other professionals who are involved.
Once all reports have been received the child/young person's case will be presented back to the moderating panel of professionals . The local authority will then decide whether or not to issue an EHC Plan. This decision should be made within 16 weeks of the original EHC Needs Assessment request.
If the LA decides that it is not necessary to issue an EHCP, the SEND Assessment and Review team will let the parents or young person know, explaining the reasons why. The reports from the EHC Needs Assessment will be sent to the person with parental responsibility and can be used to inform the education setting about what additional supportive measures can be put in place for the child or young person.