Once the council receives a request for an EHC needs assessment, the local authority have up to 6 weeks to decide whether to carry out an assessment.
The local authority will speak to your child’s school or other setting for information to help decide the next steps. The local authority will let you know their decision within 6 weeks.
The local authority can refuse a request if they do not think your child needs an assessment.
They may decide that:
- there is not enough evidence of your child’s difficulties
- the nursery, school or college your child attends can provide all the help your child needs
The local authority will give you feedback if they decide not to proceed with an assessment.
They will offer you a Way Forward meeting to discuss how to support your child with a One Plan.
This is an opportunity to meet with the local authority and education setting. You can discuss the decision, and focus on the next steps available to support your child.
If you do not agree, you have the right of appeal to tribunal. Find out more about mediation and tribunals.