Last updated: 23 October 2026
If you are reading this late at night beside a pile of school letters, learning how to get an EHCP can feel like learning a new language. You do not have to understand everything tonight. The process has clear steps, you have rights, and free help exists. Start with the next manageable task, not the whole journey.
This guide covers England only; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ. The 2026 SEND reform proposals are not law yet, so the current EHCP process and timescales still apply. New legislation is not expected before September 2029. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is an EHCP, and when might your child need one?
An education, health and care plan (EHCP) is a legal document from the local authority setting out education, health and care needs and the support that must be provided. It is for ages 0-25, when SEN Support is not enough. Focus on what your child needs to access learning and everyday school life, rather than finding the perfect label.
How to get an EHCP: a step-by-step guide for parents
Step 1: Start with a SENCO meeting
Ask the special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) about the graduated approach: assess, plan, do, review. Useful questions to ask at a SENCO meeting include:
- What support is in place, and what needs have you noticed?
- What are the targets, and how will we know they are working?
- Which outside professionals could be involved?
- When will we review, and would you support an EHC needs assessment request?
Afterwards, email a short summary of what was agreed, who will do what and the review arrangements. Our guide to organising EHCP evidence and meetings offers practical ways to keep this together.
Step 2: Keep a simple evidence log
If you are wondering, “what evidence do I need for an EHCP?”, start with school reports, progress data, professional reports and SEN Support review notes. Add short dated daily notes describing what happened, the help needed and its impact. Ordinary examples matter: getting into school, following instructions or managing transitions. Keep the originals and send copies. You are recording a picture of your child's needs, not writing a perfect case.
Step 3: Request an EHC needs assessment yourself
A parent can ask the local authority for an EHC needs assessment directly, without the school's agreement. Young people aged 16-25 can ask for themselves, and schools can ask too.
No diagnosis and no educational psychologist report are needed to ask. The legal test is that the child has or may have special educational needs and may need support through an EHC plan.
To apply for an EHCP as a parent, write to the local authority's SEN team requesting an assessment. Its Local Offer website has the address. IPSEA's free template letter can help you get started. Explain your child's needs and the support that appears necessary. Keep a copy and the date received, because it starts the clock.
Step 4: Know the EHCP timeline
- Within 6 weeks of receiving the request, the local authority must say whether it will assess.
- Within 16 weeks it should say whether it will issue a plan.
- On the draft plan, parents have at least 15 days to comment and to name a preferred school or setting.
- The final plan should be issued within 20 weeks of the request. Many families find it takes longer.
If a deadline passes, send a polite written reminder quoting the request date and asking for an update. Keep the reply alongside your original request.
Step 5: If the answer is no
You can challenge a refusal to assess, a refusal to issue a plan, or certain parts of a plan. Ask SENDIASS or IPSEA for advice early so you understand the decision and your options.
Appeals go to the SEND Tribunal. For most appeals you must first contact a mediation adviser and get a mediation certificate. The deadline is usually 2 months from the decision letter or 1 month from the certificate, whichever is later.
After the plan: preparing for the EHCP annual review
The first annual review must take place within 12 months of the plan, then at least every 12 months. You should get at least 2 weeks' notice, with reports shared 2 weeks before the meeting. The local authority must tell you its decision within 4 weeks of the meeting.
Read the reports and note what is working, what has changed and where support is missing. Include your child's views in their own words or pictures. Their everyday experience belongs in the discussion.
Everyday support at home while you wait
These simple approaches help many children. Try what suits your family:
- A visual routine or visual timetable, such as “now, next, then” pictures on the fridge.
- Gentle warnings before changes, with a clear explanation of what comes next.
- A calm corner where your child can take a quiet break.
For further everyday ideas, read our autism and ADHD skills workbook guide.
Looking after yourself
Many SEND parents feel exhausted. Asking for help is a strength, not a sign you are failing. Batch the admin when you can, bring a friend to meetings to take notes, and consider joining a SEND parent support group. Whether you are a mum, dad or carer, your wellbeing matters too. Talk to your GP if you have felt overwhelmed for a long time.
Free, impartial help
- SENDIASS: a free, impartial service in every local authority in England.
- IPSEA: free legally based advice and template letters.
- GOV.UK: information about extra support and EHC needs assessments.
- Contact: a charity for families with disabled children.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an EHCP without a diagnosis?
Yes. You can ask for an assessment without a diagnosis or an educational psychologist report; describe the needs and support your child may require.
Can a parent apply for an EHCP?
Yes. You can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority without the school's agreement.
How long does an EHCP take?
The final plan should be issued within 20 weeks of the request. Many families find it takes longer.
What evidence do I need for an EHCP?
Gather school reports, progress data, professional reports, SEN Support review notes and dated daily examples. Keep originals and send copies.
See it on Instagram
Prefer a quick visual version of these EHCP steps? Follow @dreamingaisles for calm, practical SEND tips for parents.
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Keep everything in one calm place
While you work through how to get an EHCP, the SEND Parent Toolkit may help keep the paperwork together. It is a 48-page printable A4 PDF for SEND parents in England, also fillable on screen. It includes an EHCP process and 20-week timeline page; EHCP Sections A-K tracker; evidence log and daily impact diary; meeting preparation sheets with scripts; annual review preparation; ADHD daily dashboard; and sensory support planner. It is an organisational aid, not legal advice.
For the whole family's routines and admin too, explore the FamilyOS Master Collection, a 124-page family and SEND planner, and our SEND and family planners.
Be gentle with yourself: one letter, one note, one step at a time. You know your child best, and your notes about them are some of the most useful evidence there is.
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