Most children with special educational needs (SEN) will have their needs met through extra support provided by the place of learning. This is known as SEN Support and can include a wide range of provision and interventions.
However, there will be some children and young people who have special educational needs that may need support that goes beyond the resources available to learning settings for SEN support, and a request can be made with the Local Authority (LA), for them to consider carrying out an EHC (Education, Health and Care) Needs Assessment.
As set out in the Children and Families Act 2014 the following people may request an EHC needs assessment:
- A person acting on behalf of a place of learning. For example, a teacher, or college staff. A request should have the knowledge and agreement of the parent or young person (where possible)
- In respect of a child aged 0-16 and those aged 16-25 who cannot make a referral independently or with support a parent or a person caring for the child
- Young people with SEND (aged 16-25) who can make the request independently or with support
To request an EHC needs assessment as a parent/ carer, young person or professional, you can either:
- Use the available online form: EHC needs assessment requests - How to submit your request - Norfolk County Council and then upload the form via this webpage EHC needs assessment requests - EHC needs assessment forms - Norfolk County Council
- Email csehcp@norfolk.gov.uk stating clearly that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment.
- Call 0333 313 7165
- Write in to Send and Inclusion, Lower Ground Floor, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH
Regardless of who applies, the place of learning that the child or young person attends will be asked to provide information and evidence about the support they are putting into place, their educational attainment and what additional needs they have including any professional information and advice.
For children or young people who are electively home educated, or currently out of education, evidence can be gathered from other sources.
Once the LA receives the form or letter/email they have 6 weeks to send the parent/carer a response explaining whether they agree to assess or not. If they decide not to assess the parent/carer will have a right to appeal.
Even with the EHC needs assessment being applied for, the place of learning should still be putting in place SEN Support as the whole EHC process from EHC needs assessment application to final EHCP is a 20 week process.