You can apply to the local authority social care department for an assessment of your child’s special needs (see Chapter 34(3) ).

In England, your child will be eligible for an ‘education, health and care plan’ (EHC plan). These have replaced special educational needs (SEN) assessments and learning difficulty assessments. EHC plans cover your child’s educational needs as well as the help your child may need from health services and social care.

Each plan is drawn up by the local authority following an assessment of your child’s needs. Ask your local authority to assess your child if you think they will need a plan.

Once the assessment has taken place, the authority will send you a draft of the plan. You will have 15 days to comment on the draft (eg if you think that your child should go to a specialist needs school). The authority must give you the final EHC plan within 20 weeks of your request for an assessment.

You can chall