If the local authority decides to proceed, they will gather more information and advice from people who work with your child, including health and social care professionals.
The local authority does not have to seek further information from professionals if this has been provided recently. But, any existing reports should meet the requirements of the assessment process. They must have detailed information about:
- your child’s needs
- support or provision they need
- how the support will help your child
Your local authority must involve you and your child in this process too. If you have already provided information about your child as part of your request, you do not need to repeat this. You can send in new information if you want to.
Advice and information requested by the local authority should be provided within 6 weeks.
By week 16, a decision will be made at a panel on whether your child needs an EHCP or if their needs can be met by existing support.
The panel includes:
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Operation staff
- Headteachers
- social care professionals
- health professionals
If your local authority decides not to issue an EHCP, they must tell you why within 16 weeks of the date they received a request for an assessment. If you do not agree, you have the right of appeal to tribunal. Find out more about mediation and tribunals.