Assessment steps and timescales

The SEND Code of Practice sets out the statutory timescales for the EHC needs assessment and EHC plan development. 

Assessments take up to 20 weeks to complete. They focus on educational needs and the support needed to be able to learn.

Making a decision

We have up to six weeks to decide if an assessment is needed. To do this, we hold a panel to discuss needs and decide if an assessment is needed.

Making a decision at panel

We will decide if your child needs an assessment or not based on the evidence provided. When making a decision, we'll review a wide range of evidence including:

• checking academic attainment, developmental milestones and rate of progress records.
• information about the SEN and care or health needs.
• assessing any actions already being taken to meet needs.

• giving consideration to information provided by the parent or carer and child or young person.

   

Gathering evidence

If we think an assessment is needed, we will gather any further evidence from our own teams, the school SENCo, parents and carers and any healthcare professionals involved.

If a plan is not to be created

We will notify you if a decision has been made not to create an education health and care plan (EHCP). You will be notified of the decision, your right to appeal, and your right to a meeting to discuss the reasons and voice objections.

Writing a draft plan

If it is agreed that an EHCP is needed, we will start to write a draft plan. We will send you a copy of the draft EHCP and you will have 15 days to respond in writing.

Final version of the plan

A final version of the plan will be available.

Click here to view the timescales document.