Can I request an EHCP assessment myself without the school?

Yes. Parents, carers and young people over 16 have a legal right to ask their local authority directly for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. You don't need the school's permission or a diagnosis — a short written request to the SEND team is enough to start the statutory process.

How long does the EHCP process take?

From the day the local authority receives your request, they must complete the whole process within 20 weeks — including deciding whether to assess, gathering advice, issuing a draft plan, and finalising it.

What happens if the council refuses to assess my child?

A refusal is not the end. The tribunal must receive an appeal within two calendar months of the decision letter or one month of the mediation certificate, whichever is later. You can ask the local authority for the evidence used to make the decision.

What is the 20-week statutory timeline?

The 20-week timeline is the legal limit for the EHCP process. Key milestones inside it: the council has 6 weeks to decide whether to assess, then 10 weeks to gather advice and decide whether to issue a plan, then a final plan must be issued by week 20.

What is Section F of an EHCP?

Section F sets out the special educational provision the council must secure, subject to the statutory exceptions. It must be detailed and specific and should normally be quantified. Other sections can also carry legal duties.

A calm place to begin

EHCP help and support for parents and carers

Looking for help with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)? EHCP Compass offers free guidance, letter templates and practical tools for parents and carers in England. Choose your situation below to find a useful next step.

Where are you right now?

Pick whichever feels closest. There’s no wrong answer.

Or — jump straight to a specific problem

If something specific has gone wrong, pick the one that matches your situation and we’ll take you straight to the answer.

“My child can't face going to school”

Take me there

“The council won't assess my child”

Take me there

“I've just had a refusal letter”

Take me there

“My EHCP says vague things like 'support as needed'”

Take me there

“The school isn't doing what the EHCP says”

Take me there

“A council deadline has passed and nothing has happened”

Take me there

“The council named a different school from the one we wanted”

Take me there

“We have a mediation or tribunal coming up”

Take me there

Still not sure? Our free Support Directory lists expert helplines who will talk it through with you.

Practical help with your EHCP

Use these guides and worksheets without an account. Choose the task you need help with today.

Help applying for an EHCP
Prepare a request for an EHC needs assessment with our letter guide.
EHCP refused: understand your options
Find guidance on refusals and where to seek advice about your next step.
Prepare for an EHCP annual review
Organise questions, concerns and the changes you want to discuss.
Get ready for a school meeting
Use a printable worksheet to record what matters and what you want to ask.

Find EHCP support near you

For local contacts, choose your council in our directory. It links to council and SEND Local Offer information, with routes to local SENDIASS support. Check the provider’s current availability and scope before contacting them.

Find your council and local SEND support Find independent advice organisations

What EHCP Compass can help with

We provide information, templates and tools to help you prepare. We do not currently provide individual specialist case advice or tribunal representation. For advice about your own circumstances, use the support directory to find an appropriate service.

Not sure which one fits? That’s completely normal. Start with our plain language guide to the EHCP process, or reach out to a free advice line in our Support Directory — they will help you work out where you are.

EHCP Did You Know Support Directory

Every legal point on this page is explained in full, with links to the law, on our EHCP Did You Know page.

EHCP help and support for parents and carers

Where are you right now?

I'm worried about my child

I want to request an EHCP assessment

I'm waiting for a decision

We've been refused

We have an EHC plan

We're heading to mediation or tribunal

Or — jump straight to a specific problem

Practical help with your EHCP

Find EHCP support near you

What EHCP Compass can help with