Parents Left Struggling as Schools Report Stricter EHCP Criteria
A growing number of parents are being told that their child must now be at least 2.5 years behind their peers in education to even be considered for an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). If true, this is a devastating shift in SEND provision—one that risks leaving countless children without the support they desperately need.
Recently, a parent shared their frustrating experience after being called into their child’s school, where they were told this new threshold was preventing the school from applying for an EHCP on their child’s behalf. The reasoning? The school was already “doing great” supporting their child as though they had an EHCP, but now couldn’t justify a request for one due to these new restrictions.
But what happens when the child moves schools? What if funding changes? Will the process have to start all over again?
What Does This Mean for Parents?
If schools are being discouraged from applying for EHCPs due to cost or arbitrary academic benchmarks, this could leave many children—especially those with autism, ADHD, and PDA—without legally enforceable support. Many children with SEND do not present with academic delays but instead struggle with anxiety, sensory needs, and emotional regulation.
This change, if true, represents a major barrier to accessing SEND support. It’s not enough to say a school is ‘doing well’ without an EHCP. The whole point of an EHCP is that it provides long-term, legally protected support beyond what a school can offer on its own.
Can Parents Still Apply for an EHCP Themselves?
Yes! If your school refuses to apply, you can apply for an EHCP independently. You do not need school approval to begin the process.
Steps to Apply Independently:
- Gather Evidence – Request copies of school reports, IEPs, medical letters, and professional assessments.
- Write to Your Local Authority – You must submit a written request for an EHCP assessment. There is no requirement for a child to be 2.5 years behind—this is not in the SEND Code of Practice.
- Seek Legal Advice – If your request is refused, you have the right to appeal.
How AskEllie Can Help
If you’re facing this situation, AskEllie can guide you through the process. Ellie provides:
- Legal guidance on EHCPs, appeals, and SEND law.
- Step-by-step support on how to apply independently.
- Help with drafting letters to your local authority.
📲 Try Ellie today for free at www.askellie.co.uk or via Telegram at https://t.me/AskEllieBot.
Have you been told about this new barrier? We want to hear from you. Drop us a message and let’s push back against these unfair restrictions together!
#EHCP #SEND #AutismSupport #AskEllie
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