Who can ask for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment?

The following people can ask us to carry out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment:

• The child's parent or carer
• A young person over the age of 16 but under 25
• A professional acting on behalf of an education setting, such as an early years provider, a school, or post-16 setting*
• Other people who know the child/young person well, such as a health or social care professional*.

*This should be done with agreement of the parents or young person, where possible

How to request an EHC needs assessment?

If you are considering making a referral for your child, we always recommend that you speak to the school SENDCo first.

You can make a referral at any time, but the setting/school will have the evidence of your child’s assessed SEN, including the impact of the graduated approach they have taken and your child’s SEN Support Plan.

Sometimes there may be a disagreement between you and the school about if an EHC needs assessment is needed. It is important that you speak to the school to understand why there is a difference of opinion and work together to find a solution.

If you would like to gain independent advice and support, please contact SENDIASS on 01925 442978 or email then at infosendiass@warrington.gov.uk

How would the parent / carer, or a young person request an assessment?

Complete the request form

If you're referring a young person aged 16 or over, we’ll need their consent or proof that you have the authority to make decisions on their behalf.

When submitting your request, please include information on:

• Why your child has or may have special educational needs.
• Why they may require special educational support through an EHC Plan.

If possible, attach any supporting documents, such as health or education reports.

Once you submit a referral, we’ll contact the school to request their evidence. By law, they must cooperate with this process.

If you’re thinking about making a referral, feel free to contact the SEND Team at 01925 442175—they can guide you on the next steps.

You can also reach out to the council by email or post:

Postal Address: East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1UH

Schools, colleges and other services requesting an assessment

For schools, colleges, and other services, EHC referral forms and supporting documents can be requested via EHCReferralAndResourcesPanel@warrington.gov.uk.