EHCP – frequently asked questions

Yes. We are introducing a new process to allow us to provide support (and where relevant an EHC assessment and EHCP) at an early age. This is so we can plan for the right support when they start school – or put it in place earlier if needed.

Yes and it goes further. Unlike the Statement of Special Educational Needs, the EHCP can apply to:

• Children under 5
• Young people and young adults over 16 for as long as they are in education or training, up to the age of 25

Your assessment co-ordinator will meet with you to talk about how you and your child want to be involved in the process. You will be involved in at least two meetings during the process. We will ask you to provide a simple set of information in a ‘One and Only’ pack (the one and only time we’ll ask for this information).

We will keep you informed of all decisions made throughout the assessment process. You will have the name of your Assessment Co-coordinator. You can contact them if you need more information during the assessment process.

You may not always agree with a decision the council, your child’s early years setting, school or college has made about your child’s support. You should first raise this with them and try to reach agreement. If you can’t reach agreement, they can advise you on their procedures for making complaints. You could also approach the local information, advice and support service SENDIASS on 0300 303 2677 for help.

A disagreement resolution and mediation service are also available. These services are independent of the council and can provide you with a quick and informal way of resolving disagreements.

Before you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal, you must have contacted a mediation adviser. This is unless your appeal is only about the school the council has named in your child’s plan, or if the council has not named a school in it.

You will need a certificate from the mediation adviser to register an appeal with the SEND Tribunal. You have one month from receiving the certificate or two months from the original decision (whichever is the later date) to register an appeal with the Tribunal.