EHC assessment decisions

To read about how decisions are made about EHCNA/EHCP, and the people involved and how they ensure plans meet the needs of young people visit: EHCP Discussion and Decision Groups

What happens if the decision is to issue an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

An EHCP may be needed if your child or young person's needs cannot be met through the support they are currently getting in their mainstream educational setting. Your education setting will have done everything they can and your child or young person still requires additional support. It may be that, despite the support provided, your child or young person is not meeting goals in their learning or development, or that the progress they are making is due to significant levels of support

If we decide to issue an EHCP, we will notify you and young person and everyone who was notified of our decision to consider whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary. We will allow enough time to prepare the draft plan and issue the final plan within the 20-week time limit.

What happens if the decision is not to issue an EHCP

If we decide not to issue an EHCP, this means that it has been decided that the child's needs can be met by the ordinary available funding, provision and support within their mainstream educational setting (Wiltshire Ordinarily Available Provision for All Learners (OPAL)). The SEND Lead Worker will contact the parent/carer as soon as possible and usually by phone, to let them know of this decision.

They will also issue a letter notifying the parent/carer or the young person, the education setting they attend and the health service, giving the reason for the decision. A copy of the statutory assessment papers will also be included.

If you are concerned about this decision and the support your child may receive without an EHCP, you can request a 'way forward' with a Local Authority representative to discuss and plan future support for the child or young person within the setting.

If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.

You may find the following page useful:

Mediation and appeals