The EHCP Assessment Process and Timeline: What Parents Need to Know

Once you have submitted your EHCP request and the local authority has agreed to carry out a needs assessment, you enter the formal assessment process. There is a clear legal framework governing it — and knowing the timeline gives you the confidence to chase things up if they fall behind.

This post is part of our complete EHCP guide. Read the previous step — How to Apply for an EHCP — or go back to the beginning with What is an EHCP?

The 20-Week Legal Deadline

The law requires the local authority to complete the entire EHC process — from the point of receiving the request to issuing the final plan — within 20 weeks. This includes the 6 weeks they have to decide whether to assess. In practice, many local authorities miss this deadline. Keep a written record of every date, phone call, and letter throughout this process.

Week-by-Week: What Happens During the Assessment

Weeks 1–6: The decision to assess

The local authority reviews your request and the evidence you submitted. Within 6 weeks they must write to tell you whether they will proceed with a formal assessment. If they agree, the assessment begins. If they refuse, you have the right to appeal — see our guide to what to do if your EHCP request is refused.

Weeks 7–14: The assessment itself

The local authority gathers information from everyone involved with your child. They are legally required to seek advice and information from: you as the parent or carer; your child (whose views, wishes, and feelings must be sought); the school’s SENCO; an educational psychologist; relevant health professionals; and social care if involved. You can also submit additional private reports at this stage. A private assessment from an educational psychologist, speech and language therapist, or occupational therapist can add significant depth and is fully within your rights to include.

Weeks 15–16: The draft EHC plan

If the local authority decides that an EHCP is needed, they must send you a draft plan. Read the draft carefully — pay particular attention to Section F (the educational provision), which is the legally binding section. Check that the provision described is specific and measurable. Vague wording like “as required” or “regular” gives schools too much flexibility in what they actually provide. You have 15 days to respond to the draft plan.

Weeks 17–20: The final plan

After considering your feedback, the local authority issues the final EHC plan within 20 weeks of the original request. The plan will name the school your child will attend and set out exactly what support must be provided. Once issued, the named school must admit your child and the specified support must be put in place.

What If the Local Authority Decides Not to Issue a Plan?

At the end of the assessment, the local authority may decide your child does not need an EHCP even after carrying out the full assessment. They must write to explain their reasoning. You have the right to appeal this decision to the SEND Tribunal — the appeal must be lodged within 2 months of the decision. See our guide to what to do if your EHCP is refused for the full process.

Tips for the Assessment Stage

Submit your parental contribution as soon as you can. The local authority cannot legally ignore it, and a detailed parental contribution often shapes the final plan more than any other single document. Commission a private assessment if you can. An educational psychologist’s report or a speech and language therapy report can fill gaps that the local authority’s own assessment might miss. Find verified specialists on The SEND List. Challenge vague wording in the draft plan. If Section F says anything like “speech and language therapy as appropriate,” push back — the provision must be specific about how many hours, how often, and delivered by whom.

Summary

• The full EHC process must be completed within 20 weeks of your request
• Weeks 1–6: the local authority decides whether to assess
• Weeks 7–14: evidence is gathered from school, health, social care, and you
• Weeks 15–16: a draft plan is issued — you have 15 days to comment
• Weeks 17–20: the final plan is issued
• If no plan is issued after assessment, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal

Next in this series: If Your EHCP Request is Refused →

Previous in this series: ← How to Apply for an EHCP

This guide is for informational purposes only. For specific advice, contact your local SENDIASS service.

Looking for a private specialist to contribute to your child’s assessment? Find verified SEND specialists on The SEND List →