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Request for an EHC needs assessment for your child (England)
England · in English · for parents
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For a parent in England who believes their child has, or may have, special educational needs that the school cannot meet from its own resources. A request to the council under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014 for an education, health and care needs assessment: it sets out your reasons and evidence, and asks for the decision within six weeks and for your appeal rights if the council refuses. Posted first class; many councils also have a free online form. Sold blank, to complete by hand, as it holds a child's health data.
- Made for use in England
- Last updated October 28, 2026
- Document in English
Where a UK document reproduces the words of legislation or of a government publication — UK, Scottish or Northern Irish — it contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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When to use this document
- The school cannot give your child the support they need in England and you want an EHC needs assessment.
- Your child has autism or another condition and is falling behind despite help at school.
- The school will not ask for an assessment, so you want to request it yourself.
- You want to start the process of getting an EHCP for your child.
What you fill in
The details the document asks for.
- Sender
- Sender's address
- Town or city
- Sender's postcode
- Date
- Recipient
- Recipient's address
- Recipient's postcode
- Child's name
- Child's date of birth
- School
- Grounds
- Phone
- Attachments
Common questions
- Who can ask for an EHC needs assessment, and does the school have to agree?
- A parent, a young person over 16 and under 25, or the child's school or college can ask the council; you do not need the school's agreement. Many councils have their own free online request form, which you can use instead of, or as well as, this letter. Every council must also provide a free SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), which can help you prepare the request and gather evidence.
- How long does the council take to decide on an EHC needs assessment?
- It must tell you within six weeks of receiving the request whether it will carry out the assessment. If it assesses, the whole process, up to a final EHC plan or a decision not to issue one, should take no more than 20 weeks from the request. The Schools White Paper of February 2026 proposes changes to EHC plans, but these are not law, and current rights are unchanged.
- What can I do if the council refuses an EHC needs assessment?
- You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability), free. Before appealing you must contact a mediation adviser and get a certificate, though you need not go on to mediation. The appeal is due two months after the date of the council's decision letter, or one month after the mediation certificate if that is later, so keep both. SENDIASS and charities such as IPSEA give free help with appeals.
How you can sign this document
- Print it and sign by hand. The signature lines in the document are left blank on purpose — sign on them in ink.
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