How long does the EHCP process take?

The statutory deadline from request to final EHCP is 20 weeks. However, many local authorities exceed this timeline. If your local authority misses deadlines, there are formal steps you can take to challenge unlawful delays.

What if the local authority refuses an EHC needs assessment?

If the local authority refuses an EHC needs assessment, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal within 2 months of the decision. 99% of decided SEN appeals are found in the family's favour (MoJ/HMCTS Tribunal Statistics). We can help you prepare a strong appeal.

Do I need an EHCP if my child is doing well academically?

Academic performance is not the legal test for an EHCP. The test is whether your child has special educational needs that cannot be met without the legally protected provision an EHCP provides. Many children who mask their difficulties at school still need significant support.

What areas of England do you cover?

We provide EHCP consultancy for families across England. EHCP law is national, so we can help regardless of your local authority. We work with families in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and all other regions.

How much does EHCP consultancy cost?

We offer transparent pricing with fixed-fee packages for EHCP applications, amendments, and appeals. We also offer document review services starting from £195. Contact us for a quote tailored to your specific situation.

Who can request an EHC needs assessment?

Parents, carers, young people aged 16-25, and schools can all request an assessment. You do not need a professional referral or a diagnosis first.

What if we are refused an assessment?

You can appeal to the SEND Tribunal within 2 months of the refusal. We build a strong case and act quickly within the deadline.

How long does the process take?

The statutory deadline is 20 weeks from request to final plan. Delays are routine but unlawful. We document and challenge them.

Does my child need a diagnosis first?

No. A diagnosis is not required. The legal test is whether there may be SEN and whether an EHCP may be needed. Unmet need matters, not a specific label.

What if the local authority ignores my private EP report?

They cannot simply dismiss independent professional evidence. We make sure it is properly presented and formally engaged with in the assessment process.

Can I request an assessment even if the school says everything is fine?

Yes. School observations alone are not sufficient grounds for refusal. Parent evidence and home observations are relevant and carry legal weight.

An EHCP application document, evidence folder, and notes laid out on a calm desk, representing careful EHCP application preparation

EHCP Application Support

Help applying for an EHCP.

We turn the evidence and statutory test into a precise, well-organised request that is difficult to dismiss without properly engaging with it.

Book a free 15-minute call

A strong application is not about volume of evidence. It is about the right evidence, tied clearly to the law.

EHCP application support

Apply for an EHCP with evidence that is hard to dismiss.

Every stage of the EHCP process requires different evidence and approaches. Select where you are to see how we can help.

Unsure where to start?

If you are not sure where you are in the EHCP process, or what the right next step should be, we can guide you through it.

Book a free 15-minute call

EHCP Application

We request an EHC needs assessment supported by clear evidence and statutory framing.

Start application support

Refusal to Assess

Preparation of a SEND35A appeal where the Local Authority refuses to carry out an assessment.

Challenge refusal to assess

Refusal to Issue

Structured appeal preparation where the authority has assessed but refuses to issue a plan.

Challenge refusal to issue

Draft EHCP Review

We review the draft plan line by line to ensure needs are clearly identified and provision is properly specified.

Review my draft EHCP

Urgent Legal Strategy

Urgent support when local authorities fail to comply with legal duties. Strategic advice, representations, and Pre-Action Protocol letters.

Get urgent support

SEND Mediation

Preparation for mediation discussions before progressing to tribunal.

Prepare for mediation

SEND Tribunal

Appeal drafting, working document preparation, and representation where required.

Start tribunal preparation

EHCP Annual Review

Annual review amendment analysis, structured written response preparation, and advice on proposed EHCP changes.

Review annual amendments

Something many families are not told

A child who holds it together at school and falls apart at home is not coping.

They are exhausted.

Masking is well-documented in autistic children and in children with anxiety, PDA, and other hidden needs. A local authority that points to a child's school behaviour as evidence they are 'coping' may be applying the wrong test. We know how to address this in an application.

What we do

We guide you through every stage of the EHCP application process.

From the first request to the finalised plan, we help you understand what to do, what evidence to use and how to respond.

Request the assessment

We help you write a compelling request for an EHC needs assessment to your local authority, ensuring it includes the right evidence and framing.

Respond to refusals

If the local authority refuses to assess, we explain your options including appeal to the SEND Tribunal and help you act quickly within the strict 2-month deadline.

Contribute to the draft EHCP

When the draft plan arrives, we review it carefully and help you challenge inadequate sections before the plan is finalised.

Finalise the plan

We ensure the final EHCP is specific, measurable, and legally enforceable, not full of vague language that gives the local authority room to under-deliver.

Common questions

EHCP application questions answered.

Families are routinely given incorrect information about the EHCP process. Select a question to see the facts.

Application Support

£895 fixed fee

A complete, evidence-led request for an EHC needs assessment. Includes consultation, evidence review, application drafting, and LA response advice.

See full package details Book a free 15-minute call

Your knowledge of your child matters. Clear evidence gives it weight.

We bring together what you know, what professionals have recorded and what the law requires in one precise, well-organised request.

Ready to talk through your situation?

Tell us where things stand, and we will help you identify a clear and proportionate next step.

Book a free 15-minute call

Related EHCP services

If this page matches your situation, these services may help.

EHC Needs Assessment EHCP Appeals EHCP Amendments Fees & Packages