EHC needs assessments
What to expect when you are assessed for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan
An EHC needs assessment is how the council decides whether to give you an EHC plan, and what should be in it.
They will gather information about you to help them make their decision.
It takes 20 weeks (about 5 months), starting when you first asked the council for an EHC plan.
After you ask for an EHC plan, the council has 6 weeks to decide whether to start an EHC needs assessment.
- they must tell you in writing whether they will assess you
- you cannot get an EHC plan if they don’t assess you
You can appeal this decision – contact our SENDIASS advice service to learn more.
Gathering information
The council will tell you the name of the person who will oversee your needs assessment. This person is referred to as your Casework Officer or your Assessment and Planning Officer.
They will reach out to your parents and carers. They will ask about your needs, and about the support you already receive.
They will also want to hear from you.
This is your chance to get your voice heard and tell them about yourself. For example:
- what you’re good at, and what you find hard
- what you find helps at school, and at home
- what you enjoy, and what matters to you
- your plans for the future
You can do this in a way that works for you – you could use pictures, videos or drawings, for example. Amaze has a form that can help you set out what you think. Email Sendiass@AmazeSussex.org.uk for a copy.
Don’t waste this chance to speak up about what you care about! Your EHC plan is there to help you achieve the things that are important to you.
You will also have a meeting with an educational psychologist. This meeting is to talk about what you find hard and what support you need. You may also meet with other professionals, for example an occupational psychologist.
Making a decision
The council will look at all of this information, and any other reports they have been sent. They will then decide whether they think you need an EHC plan, based on everything they have been told.
If they decide to give you an EHC plan, you will get a chance to read it and ask for changes before it is made final. Once it is made final it is a legal document that your school or college must follow.
What happens if they decide not to give me an EHC plan?
If the local authority decides not to give you an EHC plan, you can appeal this decision. You or your parent carer can talk to our SENDIASS advice service to find out more about appeals.
