You can request an EHC needs assessment
Any parent can ask the LA to assess their child. You don't need the school's permission. The LA must respond within 6 weeks saying yes or no — with reasons.
For families
Your child. Their plan. Your voice matters.
You hold parental expertise no professional holds — you've watched your child every day since birth. The SEND Code of Practice makes you a full partner in every decision. This is where you see everything in one place.
Brian, age 20
Brian is an avatar. The plan around him is illustrative; the education he describes in his own words is his own. Every week number below is counted from the day his assessment was requested — no date on this page is a promise anyone made.
Your rights — in plain English
You can name your preferred school
Under s.38 of the Children and Families Act, you have the right to name a preference for your child's school or college. The LA must name it unless it would be unsuitable or inefficient use of resources.
You have 15 days to comment on the draft plan
When the LA issues a draft EHC plan, you have at least 15 days to respond. You can ask for changes. You can request a meeting. Your comments must be considered.
You can appeal to the SEND Tribunal
If you disagree with the LA's decision — about the assessment, the plan content, or the named school — you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. You must consider mediation first. The Tribunal can order the LA to change the plan.
You can request a Personal Budget
A Personal Budget is money the LA gives you to arrange some of the provision yourself. You can ask for one when the plan is being drafted or at a review. It's your choice.
Your views must be recorded even if the LA disagrees
If you disagree with a decision, your disagreement must be recorded in the plan with the reasons. The LA cannot ignore your view — they must record it and explain their decision.
What is not built yet
- You cannot add your own child here. There is no assessment-request form and no sign-up behind this page — Brian's case is published so you can see exactly what the view looks like.
- Nothing messages you. The clock is shown on the page; no reminder is sent when a deadline gets close.
- The rights above are the law as it stands, written plainly. They are not legal advice, and nothing here guarantees a legal outcome.
Not sure where to start? Read one plan end to end — the child's own words first, then the clock, then who does what next.