The whole process will take a maximum of 20 weeks.
Week 1
The application is received by the EHC Assistant Coordinators. They will review the information received and may ask for further information if it is missing. They will then submit the application to the weekly multi-agency panel to make a decision, this panel is made up of senior EHCP coordinators, the Designated Clinical Officer (DCO), representatives from the Disabled Children’s Team, and other SEND professionals.
By Week 6
The multi-agency panel meets and decides whether to agree to carry out the Needs Assessment.
Weeks 6-16
Following the decision to carry out a Needs Assessment, your EHC Coordinator will give you a call to introduce themselves. They will explain the process, what happens next and discuss suitable methods of contact. They will coordinate the needs assessment by gathering information from
- you;
- the education setting;
- medical advice and information from a health care professional including historic information if they are now discharged.
- psychological advice
- information from an educational psychologist;
- advice and information in relation to social care
- any other professionals as agreed appropriate.
If you log on to the EHC Hub, you will see the information provided as it is received.
By Week 16
The EHC Coordinator must ensure the information is submitted to the second multi-agency panel who will decide if an EHC Plan is needed or whether the school can continue to meet your child’s needs at SEN Support level. Your EHC Coordinator will share the decision with you and explain the next steps in the process.
By Week 18
If agreed, your EHC coordinator will create an EHC plan. They will share a draft version with so you can suggest any changes and share your views. The Draft EHC Plan will be used to consult with the setting you or your child wish to attend. to check they can meet your needs and are able to deliver everything in the EHC plan. The EHC plan is a legal document and everything in it must be delivered.
By Week 20
The final EHC plan is issued, naming the school/setting that you/ your child are to attend. If you do not agree with the content of the EHC plan, you have the right to mediation and tribunal to discuss this further. The EHC Coordinator can explain this process and what to do next.