Applying for an EHCP Yourself, A Simple Guide for Parents

When you are worried about your child’s needs in school, the idea of applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can feel completely overwhelming. Many parents assume that the school has to make the request, or that the school will do it for them when the time is right.

But here is something important that not everyone knows:

Parents can apply for an EHCP themselves. You do not need the school to do it for you.

For some families, taking the lead is not only empowering, but sometimes necessary. In this week’s blog, I will explain how to do it, how to find the right information for your local authority, and why applying yourself can be the right choice for some families.

Why Some Parents Choose to Apply Themselves

There are lots of reasons parents decide to make the request personally.

1. School may be slow or uncertain

Schools are often stretched. Although many want to help, they may hesitate because they believe more SEN Support needs to be tried first, or they do not think the child meets the threshold yet.

2. You know your child best

You see the full picture, including home life, school anxiety, meltdowns after school, sleep issues, masking, medical needs, or how hard things really are day to day. Sometimes this is not fully visible in school.

3. You want momentum

As a parent, you have every right to start the process when you feel it is needed. Making the request yourself ensures things get moving.

4. It is your legal right

The law is very clear. Parents, carers, or young people aged 16 to 25 can make a direct request to the local authority for an EHC needs assessment. Whatever your situation, supportive school, unsure school, or overwhelmed school, you are not stuck. You can take control.

How to Apply for an EHCP Yourself

You do not need complicated language or legal knowledge. The process is much simpler than it looks.

Step 1: Write to your local authority requesting an EHC needs assessment

Every local authority must accept a parental request. Your request should include:

• Your child’s name, date of birth, and address

• The school or setting they attend

• A clear statement that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment under the Children and Families Act 2014

• A short explanation of your child’s needs

• Why the support they currently receive is not enough

You can attach any reports or evidence if you have them. You do not need every assessment in place to apply.

Step 2: Include any evidence you have

Useful things include:

• School reports or SEN Support plans

• Behaviour logs or exclusions

• Notes showing what strategies have already been tried

• Medical or therapy reports

• Your own observations, which are valid and important

Do not worry if you do not have everything. The local authority must collect advice from professionals if they agree to assess.

Step 3: The local authority decides within 6 weeks

Once your request is received, the local authority has six weeks to decide whether they will carry out a full assessment.

If they agree, a 20 week statutory timeline begins.

If they refuse, you have the right to appeal. Many parents win at this stage and this is something I can help with.

How to Find the Right Information for Your Local Authority

Because every local authority has its own website layout and process, finding the right page can feel like a maze. Here is how to make it easy.

1. Identify which local authority you belong to

If you are unsure, you can use the government’s “find your local council” tool by entering your postcode.

2. Search for the Local Offer

Every local authority has a SEND Local Offer, an online hub with information on SEND services, EHCP guidance, and local processes.

Simply search:

“Local Offer” or “EHCP” along with your local authority (i.e. Norfolk Local Offer or Norfolk EHCP)

This usually takes you to the correct page.

3. Look for the EHCP section

On the Local Offer page you should find:

• How to request an assessment

• Any downloadable forms, not all local authorities use them

• The SEND or EHCP team’s contact email

• Guidance on timelines and expectations

4. If you cannot find what you need

This is very common. Council websites are often confusing and the information is sometimes hidden.

If you are struggling, I can help you find everything you need quickly.

Why Doing It Yourself Can Be Helpful

You do not have to rely only on how school sees your child.

Applying yourself means:

• Your voice is heard clearly

• You can include needs seen at home, not just at school in the initial application

• You control the timeline

• You choose what evidence to include in your initial application

• You are not waiting for someone else to decide the time is right

For some families, it is the most proactive step they can take.

Feeling Overwhelmed? I Can Help

At SEND Meadow, I support families through the whole process. This includes:

• Helping you locate your local authority’s EHCP information

• Guiding you on what evidence to gather

• Writing the request letter or filling out the forms for you

• Reviewing any forms your local authority asks for

• Helping you understand what happens next

Whether you want full support or just someone to check you are on the right track, you do not have to tackle it alone.

Final Thoughts

Applying for an EHCP yourself does not have to be scary. You have the legal right, and you absolutely have the knowledge about your child. For many families, making the request themselves is the turning point. It is the moment things finally start moving.

If you would like support, a template letter, or someone to take on the process with you, I am always here to help.