WEEKS 1-6 ► EHC Assessment request to the LA begins:

• Request for EHC assessment sent by parent, professional or school

• Referral acknowledged and prepared for SEN panel   

• Local Authority contact parent/carer or young person to obtain proof of address and consent form  

• SEN Panel decides whether an EHC assessment is needed

• Week 6: Latest the Local Authority can inform parent/carer or young person about their decision of whether to assess                            

     NOTE: Right to Appeal if assessment is not approved by the SEN Panel

WEEKS 7-16 ► Assessment and evidence gathering begins:

• Additional advice and information requested from professionals where needed    

• 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

• Keyworkers drafts plan, puts information together and sends it to SEN Panel to make a decision

• Multi-agency meeting to discuss the draft plan

• End of week 16: Latest the Local Authority can notify parents/young person of the decision of whether to issue an EHC plan

NOTE: Right to Appeal if SEN Panel decides not to issue an EHC Plan

WEEKS 17 & 18 ► Drafting the EHC Plan (15 calendar days):

• EHC Draft plan meeting: Parent/carer or young person to make any comments /changes to their draft plan.

• Parent/carer or your person can comment / express interest for an Educational setting

• 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):

• The draft plan is changed where needed, issued and sent to parents and young people

• School agreed and finalised plan to be sent to the school, college or educational setting

• End of week 20: Finalised plan signed off by officer and sent to parent/carer, young person and educational institution

NOTE: Right to Appeal against the provision or educational setting named in the EHC Plan