How an EHC needs assessment works

Find out what will happen and when in the EHC assessment process

The EHC needs assessment is a detailed process that should take 20 weeks. 

It sometimes takes longer than this. We are making changes to our ways of working to make sure plans are issued within 20 weeks.

Find out what changes are being made to improve EHC needs assessment timescales. 

An EHC needs assessment does not always lead to a child or young person receiving an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

For example, the local authority might decide that the child’s or young person’s needs can be met by the nursery, school or college through special educational needs support.

  1. Deciding if an EHC needs assessment is appropriate (weeks 1 to 6)

    How the local authority will decide whether to carry out an assessment

  2. Continuing the EHC Needs assessment (weeks 6 to 16)

    How the panel works and what evidence they will look at

  3. If it's agreed that an EHCP is necessary (weeks 16 to 20)

    What happens next if the local authority decide to issue an EHCP

  4. Disagreeing with a decision

    What you can do if you disagree with the decision