What is an Educational, Health and Care needs assessment?
The Education, Health and Care needs assessment is a multi-agency assessment for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years. This assessment considers a child or young person’s education, health and social care needs which may lead to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). See further information about an EHC plan.
Information from a child’s parent, a young person, the educational institution attended, health care professionals, an educational psychologist and where appropriate social care will be requested during this assessment.
Who can request an assessment?
- the child’s parent
- a young person over the age of 16 but under the age of 25
- an early years setting, a school or a post 16 provider
How do I request one?
How long does it take?
It takes 20 weeks from the point of requesting an assessment.
See flow chart outlining the different stages
What happens next?
The possible outcomes are:
- that an assessment is not necessary
- an assessment is needed and issuing an EHCP
- an assessment is needed and then determining that an EHCP is not necessary
The decision and reasons for not issuing an EHCP will be communicated to the child’s parent or the young person within a maximum of sixteen weeks from receiving the initial request. The parents/young person will be informed of their rights to appeal.
Complaints procedure
If you're unhappy with any aspect of help or support that has been provided you have the right to complain or appeal for any decision that has been made.