Who can request an assessment?
The following people have a specific right to ask a local authority to conduct an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) for a child or young person aged between 0 and 25:
- the child's parent carer
- a young person over the age of 16 but under the age of 25*
- a person acting on behalf of an early years setting, school or post-16 institution (this should ideally be with the knowledge and agreement of the parent or young person where possible)
*Young people over 16 and below 25 in education (for example sixth form or college) can request an EHCNA). Those under 19 in youth custodial establishments also have the right to request an EHCNA.
In addition, anyone else can bring a child or young person who has (or may have) special educational needs and/or disabilities to the attention of the local authority, particularly where they think an EHCNA may be necessary. This may include a Section 23 referral from the health authority.