What makes a strong application?
- A clear, detailed description of your child's special educational needs across all areas of life
- Evidence that existing SEN support has been put in place and is not sufficient
- Professional reports from education, health, or social care professionals
- A parent statement setting out your views, wishes, and observations
- A chronology showing how needs have developed and what has been tried
- School records including progress data, attendance, and SEN support plans
Your parent statement
Your voice as a parent is one of the most important parts of the application. A good parent statement should:
- Describe your child's needs in their own words and yours — not clinical language
- Explain the impact of their needs on their education, development, and wellbeing
- Set out what support has been tried and what difference it has or has not made
- State clearly what outcomes you hope an EHCP will achieve
Common mistakes to avoid
- Only listing diagnoses rather than describing how needs affect daily life and learning
- Not explaining why existing support is not sufficient
- Waiting until you have all professional evidence — you can apply before all reports are in
- Using general language — the more specific and concrete your examples, the stronger your case
What the platform drafts for you
- Parent statement based on your notes and observations
- Draft assessment request letter
- Evidence organiser and checklist
- Chronology of support tried and outcomes
- Key issue summary for your application
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need professional evidence to apply for an EHCP?
- You do not legally need professional evidence to request an EHC needs assessment — you can apply based on your own description of your child's needs. However, professional reports (EP, SALT, OT, medical) significantly strengthen your case and help the local authority understand the level of need.
- Can I apply for an EHCP myself without school's help?
- Yes. Parents and carers have the right to request an EHC needs assessment directly. You do not need the school to apply on your behalf or to agree with your request.
- What is the legal threshold for getting an EHCP?
- The law says the local authority must carry out an EHC needs assessment if the child 'has or may have' special educational needs, and it 'may be necessary' to make provision through an EHCP. This is a relatively low threshold at the assessment stage. Whether an EHCP is then issued depends on what the assessment finds.
- What if my child is already getting SEN support at school?
- Existing SEN support does not prevent you applying. In fact, evidence that school-based support has been tried but is not sufficient is often one of the strongest arguments for an EHCP. Document what support has been in place and how it has or has not helped.