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 

Further guidance

Additional funding resources may be available from the local authority for some children. 

SEND Transition Top Up Funding for Children with Special Educational Needs starting school in reception classes.

Most children can be successfully provided for through SEN support. In some cases, for children with high-level special educational needs who don’t have an EHCP or where a complete understanding of the child’s long-term needs may still be emerging, additional resources may be required on top of element 1 and 2 funding to support their transition to school.

Transition funding can be agreed up to a maximum of 10 hours per week as a top up to the support given by the school for the child’s first 2 terms in a reception class. 

The aim of SEND transition funding is to enable schools to provide effective support so that the child is able to settle successfully and there is time for the school to get to know the child and their family and assess their needs within the school context. 

If the school then considers that ongoing high levels of support are required they will have the opportunity to link with their SEN casework officer and consider a further request for top up funding and/or an application for an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment. 

When to apply

Applications should be made during the transition planning phase (usually the summer term) before the child starts school so that the funding is in place for the start of the child's first term. It is not possible to apply retrospectively. 

Applications must be made collaboratively by the child’s current setting and the receiving school. 

Apply online 

If there are any questions about access to this funding, email the EYSEN team – EYSEN.Funding@oxfordshire.gov.uk