What do I do when…
I want to ask for an EHC needs assessment
You don’t have to wait for school, and you don’t need a diagnosis. Parents can ask the council directly.
Your rights
- You can ask the council yourself. You don’t need school’s agreement or a diagnosis.
- The council must assess if your child has or may have special educational needs, and may need support through an EHCP. This is a low bar.
- It must tell you its decision within 6 weeks.
What to do
- Gather your evidence: patterns you’ve noticed, observations, reports and attendance.
- Write to the council’s SEN team asking for an assessment, with examples of your child’s needs and the support already tried.
- Keep a note of the date you sent it. Every deadline after this is counted from it.
- Tell school you’ve asked, and ask them to send their views.
How Aro helps
Aro writes the request from your child’s record, then works out every EHCP deadline from the date you send it.
Who can help
- HertfordshireHerts SENDIASSFree, impartial advice on SEND, EHCPs and disagreements with school or the council.01992 555 847 · info@hertssendiass.org.uk
- NationalIPSEAFree, independent legal advice on SEND law, EHCPs and tribunal appeals, with model letters.
- NationalSOSSENFree legal advice on special educational needs, including EHCPs and appeals.
- NationalContactNational charity for families with disabled children. Advice on benefits, education and more.0808 808 3555
Official guidance
This guide is general information about the law in England, written by a parent. It isn’t legal advice, and every situation is different. For advice about your child, contact SENDIASS or IPSEA. Last checked October 2026.