How to Apply for an EHCP: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Parents

If you think your child needs more support than their school is currently providing, applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is an important step. This guide explains exactly how to do it — who can apply, what to write, and what to expect after you submit.

This post is part of our complete EHCP guide. You can start at the beginning with What is an EHCP? or jump to the next step: The EHCP Assessment Process and Timeline.

Who Can Apply for an EHCP?

Three groups of people can request an EHC needs assessment: parents or carers of a child under 16; young people aged 16–25 can apply for themselves; schools, colleges, and other educational settings including the child’s SENCO; and health or social care professionals working with the child. You do not need permission from the school to apply — if you believe your child’s needs are not being met, you can go directly to your local authority yourself.

Before You Apply: Build Your Evidence

A strong application is built on evidence. Gather from school: SEN support plans, SENCO reports, progress data, and previous referral letters. From health professionals: GP letters, paediatrician reports, diagnosis letters, and any reports from speech therapists, OTs, or psychologists. From you: a parent statement describing your child’s day-to-day difficulties and how their life is affected at home and at school.

If you have not yet had a private assessment but feel it would strengthen your case, our guide to which specialists can support your EHCP explains what different professionals can contribute and how to find one.

How to Write Your Request Letter

Your request letter does not need to be long or formal, but it does need to be clear. Write to your local authority’s SEND team and include: your child’s full name, date of birth, and school; a description of their needs; a clear statement requesting an EHC needs assessment; a summary of current support and why it is insufficient; and a list of any evidence you are attaching.

Example opening: “I am writing to request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment for my child, [Name], aged [age], who currently attends [School]. Despite receiving SEN support at school, their needs are not being met and I believe an EHCP is necessary to secure the right provision.”

Who to Send It To

Send your request to the SEND department of your local authority — the county council or unitary authority for the area where your child lives, not where they go to school. Keep a copy and note the date you sent it, because the 20-week legal deadline begins from the point the local authority receives your request.

What Happens Next

The local authority has 6 weeks from receiving your request to tell you whether they will carry out an EHC needs assessment. They will either agree to assess — in which case the process moves forward, which we cover in full in The EHCP Assessment Process and Timeline — or refuse, in which case they must explain why and you have the right to appeal. If they refuse, see our guide to what to do if your EHCP request is refused.

Tips for a Strong Application

Write from your child’s perspective. Describe how their difficulties affect daily life — getting dressed, making friends, following instructions, managing anxiety. This is often more compelling than clinical language. Attach everything you have. There is no such thing as too much evidence at this stage. Don’t wait for a diagnosis. The request is based on educational need, not diagnosis. Seek support. Your local SENDIASS provides free, independent advice for parents navigating the EHCP process.

Summary

• Any parent, carer, or young person over 16 can request an EHCP
• Gather evidence from school, health professionals, and your own observations before applying
• Write a clear, factual letter to your local authority’s SEND team
• The local authority has 6 weeks to respond and must complete the full process within 20 weeks
• If they refuse, you have the right to appeal

Next in this series: The EHCP Assessment Process and Timeline →

This guide is for informational purposes only. For specific advice about your child’s situation, contact your local SENDIASS service.

Looking for a private specialist to support your EHCP application? Browse verified SEND specialists on The SEND List →