Applying for an EHCP

If you do not already have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), then you will need to apply for one.

The information below will tell you more about this and what you will need to do:

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP is a legal document that tells your school, college or setting what your needs are and how to help you.     

You might our video about EHCPs helpful:


What is an EHC needs assessment?

To get an EHCP you first need to ask for an EHC needs assessment.     

The assessment is a way to look more closely at your special educational needs (SEND) and the support that you may need to help you to learn.     

The assessment can last up to 6 weeks. You might be asked to meet with some professionals such as an Educational Psychologist as part of this process.     

The local authority (SENSAP team) will look at the assessment information and tell you if they think that you need an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) or if they think that your school, college or setting should be able to support you without one.     

An EHC needs assessment does not always mean an EHCP will be given.     

You might our video about the overall EHC needs assessment process helpful


How do I apply?

EHC needs assessment requests are made to the SENSAP team at Leeds City Council.     

You need to complete a form known as the EHC3.     

Click here if you would like advice about completing the EHC3

Your school and college will then be asked to send in information and evidence about your SEND and any support using the EHC1 form.     

With your permission, your parents or carers can also send in supporting information using the EHC2 form.

You might our video about making an application helpful:


What happens next?

Once the request for an EHC needs assessment has been made:     

  • SENSAP will agree to or refuse the assessment
  • If agreed, the assessment takes place and can last up to 6 weeks.
  • SENSAP will tell you if they think that you need an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) or if they think that your school, college or setting should be able to support you without one.
  • If agreed , an EHCP is legal document that your school, college or setting must then follow to support you with your learning and education. If the EHCP is refused , you might be given an Enhanced support plan, which is similar but is not a legal document.

If SENSAP say they do not think an assessment is needed. Or if after an assessment they tell you an EHCP is not needed, you can choose to appeal (disagree with) their decision.     

If this happens you can contact us and we can talk to you about this and offer some help and advice.

You might find our video about the EHCP process helpful:     

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