Top Tips For Parents Applying For An EHCP

Don’t be put off applying if the school refuse

In most cases, it is the school who highlights the need for an EHCP and will listen to concerns from parents and carers and act in the child or young person’s best interests. If this is not the case, you can apply for assessment yourself directly to the Local Authority.

Learn more about appealing any decisions within your EHCP process in the video below.

Be organised

You will need to be organised. Jot down your timeline of events and organise and keep a log of these in a large file. All information relevant to your child, especially if it relates to their special educational needs, should be copied and kept. This will prove invaluable during the process and beyond so keep a record of absolutely everything; appointments, reports, emails, phone calls, letters etc.

Gather your evidence

It is important to make sure you have valid evidence to support your EHCP application. Old reports that hold relevant information about your child. Gather support records and any communication/incidents, and support plans documented from school. Also evidence of all referrals to paediatricians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, etc. This will act as the proof that your child needs the help you say they do.

Read the SEN policy

Revise your local council’s SEN policies to support your case, specifically the SEN Code of Practice. Everything you need to know is there and it will explain the process. Make sure school has tried all available means to help your child and ask them to provide records of this. This should confirm that your child is not making appropriate progress.  

Build a support network

You can also contact your local SENDIASS officer. Their knowledge and advice will be invaluable. Support from other parents is available on online SEN support boards, where most parents are happy to share their experiences. There should also be a Parent Carer Forum in your area, these are a great source of Information, Advice, Guidance and support.

Don’t hesitate to get a medical diagnosis (if not in place already) 

Some people don’t like to ‘label’ their child, but an official diagnosis will help to convince the LA to provide your child with the help they need, especially if they have an unseen disability like dyslexia, dyscalculia, ASD or ADHD. You need to be able to prove that this is not just your opinion, so take your child to the GP and ask for a referral to a paediatrician. A firm medical diagnosis is harder to ignore.

Be persistent

The Local Authority can refuse to assess on the grounds that your child has “average ability.” Remember, regardless of your child’s ability, they may struggle to access learning in school, may not be receiving appropriate support, or are in the wrong setting for their level of need.

Prepare your report

Once you have all the information, you need to know what to do with it. Your LA should have a document outlining its policies, familiarise yourself with this. Refer to your LA’s policies to evidence that your child isn’t receiving the support they require. By Proving this, your case will be stronger.  You will have the opportunity during the submission to include a written statement. Include as much relevant information/ reports as you can but make sure to be concise.

Persevere

The process can be tough and stressful. Ensure that you prioritise your own mental health and well-being, so that you’re able to support your child to the best of your ability. Remember you are your child’s greatest asset and best advocate. Don’t give up.

Trust your instincts

You know your child best. Only you know how they react in certain situations and how a bad day at school affects them at home. This type of information is essential for your application as it can be evidence of how inappropriate educational settings can impact their life as a whole, not just their education.

For more information on how to get an EHCP, watch our bitesize video below.

EHCP Advice & Support

For more information on the Education, Health and Care Plan, download our Support Pack.