The Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment
An Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) helps us decide whether a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Before requesting an assessment
If you think your child may need an EHCNA, speak to their school, nursery, college or education setting first.
You can talk to:
- your child's teacher
- the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO)
They can explain:
- your child's needs
- the support already in place
- whether an EHCNA may be appropriate
For independent advice and support, you can also contact the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
Who can request an assessment
A request for an EHCNA can be made by:
- a parent or carer
- a young person aged 16 or over
- a school, college or other education setting
- a professional working with the child or young person
The process is the same regardless of who makes the request.
If the young person is aged 16 or over, we must have their consent before a request can be made on their behalf.
Requesting an assessment
If you would like to make a request yourself, you can use the EHC Needs Assessment sample letter (WORD, 15KB).
What happens next
Once we receive a request, the statutory assessment process begins.
We must tell you within 6 weeks whether we will carry out an assessment.
If we agree to assess
You will be allocated a SEND Officer who will guide you through the process.
You will be invited to take part in a family conversation. This gives you the opportunity to share information about your child and discuss what support they may need.
If we decide not to assess
We will explain the reasons for our decision.
If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to:
- request mediation
- appeal to the SEND Tribunal
You can find information and support through SENDIASS.
Family conversation
The family conversation is your opportunity to tell us about your child and your family's experiences.
You can discuss:
- your child's strengths and needs
- your child's daily life
- the support your child receives
- your hopes for the future
- the outcomes you would like your child to achieve
- any questions you have about the process
If you would prefer, you can provide this information in writing.
Information we collect
As part of the assessment, we will ask for advice and information from:
- you and your child
- your child's school, college or education setting
- health professionals
- educational psychology services
- social care services, where appropriate
- other professionals involved with your child
- any person or service you ask us to contact, such as your GP
Professionals normally have up to 6 weeks to provide their advice.
Deciding whether to issue an EHCP
Once we have gathered all the information, we will decide whether an EHCP is needed.
If we decide not to issue an EHCP, we will tell you by week 14 of the assessment process.
Your SEND Officer will keep you informed throughout the assessment.
Contact the SEND team
Telephone: 01229 407 403
Email: SEND.WAF@cumbria.gov.uk