You will be informed in writing if the Local Authority (LA) decide that it is not necessary to carry out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment. You will probably be informed by email and you may also be informed by phone. This will happen within 6 weeks of the LA having received an application for an EHC needs assessment.

You will be invited to a “Next Steps” meeting, usually organised by school, to discuss how your child or young person’s needs will be met at SEND Support. These meetings are usually attended by you, someone who works with your child or your person in their educational setting (pre-school, school or college) and often also any other professional involved in supporting your child or young person.

A “Next Steps” meeting is an opportunity to come together to discuss the recent decision regarding the child or young person’s support needs: the reasons behind the decision, exploring alternative support options available through local resources, and creating a plan to address your child or young person’s needs moving forward.

If you disagree with the LA decision, you will also have a right to mediation and right of appeal to the SEND tribunal.

You need to consider mediation and obtain a mediation certificate in advance of submitting an appeal to the SEND tribunal.