How EHC needs assessments are undertaken
Where it is agreed to proceed with an EHCNA the LA must gather advice from relevant professionals about the child or young person's education, health and care needs, desired outcomes and any special educational, health and care provision that may be required to meet identified needs and achieve desired outcomes (SEND Code of Practice 2015 9.46). The relevant professionals with whom the local authority will gather advice from is outlined in the SEND Code of Practice 2015, 9.49.
An EHC Assessment Officer will be allocated to ensure that there is effective co-ordination of the assessment. The assessment must involve parents/carers and the child or young person fully in the process. The assessment is usually conducted via the EHC Hub.
Following assessment the EHC Hub will collate all the advice received. This advice can be viewed by parents and carers via the EHC hub.
The assessment process must be completed by week 16 from when the request for assessment was made. A decision must be made at that time whether to issue an Education Health care plan or not.
If an EHC plan is agreed, the parents and relevant professionals are then invited to a co-production meeting to discuss the content of the draft plan. This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the desired outcomes for the child or young person and steps towards those outcomes. It also allows for discussion on the identified, strengths, needs and provision required so any questions can be answered. This meeting usually takes place around 17 to 18 weeks from when the request was made.