Help with an EHCP application — we prepare the letter | EHCP Clarity
Prepared EHCP pack

Help with your EHCP application

This is for when you want the letter written. A case professional prepares the request from what you send. You review it. You send it. £249.

Match my situation

Get my application pack prepared — £249See a real example pack

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What is your EHCP situation?

Tell us where you are. We match the document you need to send, then an assigned case professional prepares it. You review it. You send it.

What we prepare for this

Request letter · £249

The letter you send to the council to ask for an EHC needs assessment.

  • The document you send
  • How to send it, and what to attach
  • One revision round of factual corrections

One case professional prepares and checks it. You review it. You send it.

Typically 5 working days after we have what we need.

Other documents: request letter £249 · appeal grounds £349 · challenge to the plan £449

Sample of a request letter · mock names
The most recent school assessment data from March 2025 shows that [CHILD] is working at a level approximately three years below his chronological age in reading and writing, and at least two years below in spoken language and verbal comprehension.

Read the full examples · What each price includes

Case preparation support only · Not legal advice or tribunal representation

Quick answer

You can apply for an EHCP without school permission, without a diagnosis, and without a solicitor. The legal threshold at assessment stage is low: the local authority must assess if your child has or may have SEN and it may be necessary to make provision through an EHCP. A strong application describes needs, failed support, and impact — prepare that for you to review.

The full steps are on how to apply for an EHCP. This page is the help: we prepare the request letter.

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 we prepare for you

  • Assessment request letter, written from your intake and reports
  • Council-response matching and SEND law in that letter
  • Named reports referred to by author, date and what they show
  • Assigned case professional who prepares and checks it
  • How to send, one revision, and 14 days of email support

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.

This page provides general information only. EHCP Clarity does not provide legal advice. For specialist support, contact IPSEA or your local SENDIASS.