The diagram below shows the EHC timeline.
WEEKS 1-6 ► EHC Assessment request to the LA begins:
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Request for EHC assessment sent by parent, professional or school
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Referral acknowledged and prepared for SEN panel
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Local Authority contact parent/carer or young person to obtain proof of address and consent form
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SEN Panel decides whether an EHC assessment is needed
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Week 6: Latest the Local Authority can inform parent/carer or young person about their decision of whether to assess
NOTE: you get a 'Right to Appeal' if assessment is not approved by the SEN Panel
WEEKS 7-16 ► Assessment and evidence gathering begins:
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Additional advice and information requested from professionals where needed
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Independent Supporter to meet parent/young person to complete Section A of the EHC draft plan: the child or young person’s views, wishes and feelings
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Keyworkers drafts plan, puts information together and sends it to SEN Panel to make a decision
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Multi-agency meeting to discuss the draft plan
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End of week 16: Latest the Local Authority can notify parents/young person of the decision of whether to issue an EHC plan
NOTE: You get a 'Right to Appeal' if SEN Panel decides not to issue an EHC Plan
WEEKS 17 & 18 ► Drafting the EHC Plan (15 calendar days):
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EHC Draft plan meeting: Parent/carer or young person to make any comments /changes to their draft plan.
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Parent/carer or your person can comment / express interest for an Educational setting
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The Local Authority consults with the educational institution before naming it in the EHC Plan.
WEEKS 19 & 20 ► Finalising the EHC Plan (15 calendar days):
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The draft plan is changed where needed, issued and sent to parents and young people
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School agreed and finalised plan to be sent to the school, college or educational setting
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End of week 20: Finalised plan signed off by officer and sent to parent/carer, young person and educational institution
NOTE:You get a 'Right to Appeal' against the provision or educational setting named in the EHC Plan