The outcome of this process is to decide on whether an Education, Health and Care plan for the child or young person is needed and if it is then the Local Authority will issue an EHC Plan.

Following the graduated approach for SEN support a request for an EHC needs assessment should be considered for a child or young person if the school setting are unable to provide adequate intervention for sustained progress. 

The law says:

A local authority must conduct an assessment of education, health and care needs when it considers that it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made for the child or young person in accordance with an EHC plan (SEND Code of Practice 9.3)

All requests for statutory assessment in Wolverhampton will be dealt with under The Children and Families Act 2014, subject to informed parental consent.

How to make a request for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment

• The school will gather evidence and outcomes of the support that has been implemented along with information and reports from professionals. Any professional working with a child, young person or family can make a referral to the local authority for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment.
   
• It is usual for referrals to come from the child/young person's setting, school or educational provider. However, parent/carer of the child or the young person aged 16-25 requesting an assessment for their needs can make a direct request for an Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessment 

EHC Needs assessment request forms and guidance

Setting, school, or educational provider

Any professional working with a child, young person or family can make a referral to the authority for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment. Alongside this the child/young person’s views will need to be captured.

The following links are downloadable for professionals to view, complete and email to SENSTART@wolverhampton.gov.uk

• EHC Needs Assessment form
• EHC Needs Assessment request guidance

You must capture and include:

• Either the child views or young person views  
• and Parent/carers views 

Parent/Carer or a young person aged 16-25

A parent/carer or a young person aged 16-25 can make a direct request for an Education, Health, and Care Needs Assessment. However, we recommend that they speak to the child or young person’s teacher or Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) first as they will be able to help you.

The following links are downloadable for parent/carer to view guidance about the EHCNA form and then complete the form to send to SENSTART@wolverhampton.gov.uk

• Parent/Carer EHC Needs Assessment form
• Parent/Carer EHC Needs Assessment request guidance

Or for a young person aged between 16-25 who wants to have an Education, Health and Care plan, will need to complete the below request form -

• Young Person EHC Needs Assessment form
• Young Person EHC Needs Assessment request guidance

How long does it take to complete an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) for an EHCP

It is a legal process carried out by the Local Authority (LA) which should take a maximum of 20 weeks to complete to give you the EHC Plan. To complete the EHC needs assessment, evidence must be gathered in order to make the appropriate decision. At every stage the child and their parent or the young person is involved fully and their views and wishes taken into account.

For further helpful guidance about the process and timescales for requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment for an Education, Health and Care plan visit Education, Health and Care Plan | Wolverhampton Information, Advice & Support Service.

Guidance for young people on the EHC Needs Assessment Process

This is currently under review and will be available soon.

The Wolverhampton Information, Advice and Support Service provide advice and support should you require assistance.