What an EHCP actually is
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for a child or young person in England, up to age 25, who needs more support than their school or college can usually provide. It sets out their special educational needs, the help they should receive, and the outcomes that support is meant to achieve.
The key word is legal. Once a plan is in place, the support it describes has to be provided.
Who it is for
An EHCP may be right where a child or young person:
- Has special educational needs that affect their learning
- Is not making progress despite the support already in place
- Needs support that goes beyond what the setting can normally give
How to request an assessment
You can ask your local authority for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. A parent, the young person (if over 16), or the school can request it. Put it in writing and keep a copy.
The timeline
From your request, the whole process should take no longer than 20 weeks to produce a final plan, with shorter checkpoints along the way.
If you are refused
A refusal is not the end of the road. You have the right to ask for the decision to be reconsidered, to use mediation, and to appeal. Many decisions change on review or appeal.
The hardest part is rarely the rules. It is the jargon, the deadlines, and feeling alone against a system that does this every day while you are doing it for the first time.
We build AI that walks alongside families through exactly this: explaining the letters, suggesting what to ask for and when, and helping you put it in writing clearly.
See what we build for people →This guide is general information to help you understand the process. It is not legal advice and does not replace a qualified adviser or your local authority’s official guidance. Rules and timescales can change, so always check the current position for your area.
Common questions
Who can request an EHCP needs assessment?
A parent, the young person themselves if they are over 16, or the child's school or college can ask the local authority. You do not need anyone's permission, and it is worth putting the request in writing and keeping a copy.
How long does it take to get an EHCP?
From your request, the whole process should take no more than 20 weeks to a final plan. There are earlier decision points along the way, such as whether to assess and whether to issue a plan.
Is an EHCP legally binding?
Yes. Once a plan is issued, the special educational provision it sets out has to be delivered. That legal weight is what makes it different from informal support a school might offer.
What happens if the local authority says no?
A refusal is common and far from final. You can ask them to reconsider, use free mediation, and appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Many decisions change on review or appeal.