Most children who need SEND support in their education setting will not need an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Before requesting an assessment, consider the child's developmental progress in partnership with parents/carers. There may be something you could put in place now to help meet their needs.
Additional Early Years SEND funding may be applied for from the local authority where a child has high-level educational needs that require support costing in excess of Early Years SEND inclusion funding, but does not require an EHC Needs Assessment to secure the best possible outcomes across education, health and social care.
An EHC plan or EHCP is a legal document that sets out a child’s additional needs and the support that should be provided.
Read an overview of education, health and care (EHC) plans and what you need to do to request an assessment.
Early Years settings/schools may request an EHC needs assessment. This is usually made by the setting that the child attends, often with the support of a professional. It can also be made by a parent in which case the setting will be asked to provide the information needed for the assessment. All applications for an EHC needs assessment must be made electronically through the Children’s Portal: Start your request for an EHC needs assessment.
Supporting documents
- Early Years Setting report for EHC Application (document under review)
- EHC Needs Assessment medical questionnaire (docx format 456 KB)
- EHC Needs Assessment consent form (docs format, 318 KB)
Further guidance
Training designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the EHCNA process for Early Years settings.
Bitesize presentation on the EHCNA process for Early Years settings.