How to request an assessment

In most cases, if a child or young person needs an education, health and care plan (EHCP), their education setting, such as their nursery, school or college, will identify this as part of their special educational needs (SEN) support process and will make a request to SENDART. However, the request can also be made by:

• other professionals like your doctor or a health visitor.
• you, as their parent or carer.
• the young person themselves, if they are aged between 16 and 25 years old.

If you think your child or young person needs an EHCP and this has not been identified by the education setting, follow the steps below.

1

Talk to the nursery, school or college

If your child or young person is at nursery, school or college, speak to their teacher, special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) or headteacher about requesting an education, health and care plan (EHCP). It is important to work with the education setting to:

• find out what support they can provide to help your child make progress.
• get help to gather the right information and evidence.
• show a joined-up approach.

The education setting will contact SENDART to make the request.