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