How to request an EHC needs assessment
School requests for EHC Assessment
School will request an EHC assessment, having followed a graduated response at SEN support level.
Parental requests for EHC Assessment
Parental request to carry out a statutory EHC needs assessment (214KB pdf)
What do I need to include with my request?
The following documents must be submitted alongside a request for assessment:
1. Parental Advice Form (170KB pdf) with signed consent for the assessment.
2. Evidence of person centred planning including the child or young person’s likes, dislikes. A one-page profile may be used or other person centred planning tools.
3. Up to date educational Information if not already included in the request form.
4. Any up to date reports from professionals involved in supporting the child/young person, for example educational psychology, physiotherapy and speech and language.
Post completed forms to:
EHC Assessment and Review Team
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale OL16 1XU
Email completed forms to: SEN@Rochdale.Gov.
Panel decision
A panel will decide, based on the information provided whether to advise the local authority that a statutory assessment should be undertaken.
The panel will look at:
- your child's attainment and rate of progress
- their special educational needs
- what has already been done
- gradutated response overtime
- external agencies that are involved and have been involved prior
- the difference support that is in place has made
- your child's physical, emotional and social development and health needs.
The SEND Code of Practice 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.' (Section 9.3)
If the assessment goes ahead, the child/young person and family will be assigned an EHC Assessment and Review Officer who will coordinate the process and provide advice to support the family during this period.
If the outcome of an assessment is an EHCP, the plan will be completed within 20 weeks of receiving the request.
If following the assessment, the decision is not to provide an EHCP, the parent/carer or young person will be told within 16 weeks of the process, the reason(s) why and signposted to appropriate services.
Appeal an EHC needs assessment or plan decision
You can appeal if we don't give your child an assessment, we decide not to give your child an EHC plan following the assessment or you're not happy with the content of your child's EHC plan.
If you would like to appeal:
- Please contact the EHC Assessment and Review Team. We can talk through our reasons for the decisions and you can tell us why you think the decision is wrong.
- If you're still not happy, you can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal Appeal against an EHC plan or assessment decision on GOV.UK
Consent forms
Email completed forms to: SEN@Rochdale.Gov.UK
Post completed forms to:
EHC Assessment and Review Team
Number One Riverside
Smith Street
Rochdale OL16 1XU