How do I apply for an EHCP in Kent?

You can request an EHC needs assessment by writing to Kent County Council's SEN team. Anyone can make the request — you do not need the school's permission. Send a letter or email explaining your child's needs, attach any supporting evidence (reports, letters from professionals), and KCC has six weeks to decide whether to assess. SENDPath has a free request letter template you can use.

How long does the EHCP process take in Kent?

The legal timeframe is 20 weeks from the initial request to the final EHCP being issued. In practice, Kent County Council sometimes exceeds this deadline. If KCC misses the 20-week deadline, you can complain to the Local Government Ombudsman or appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

What can I do if Kent refuses my EHCP request?

If KCC refuses to assess, you have two months to appeal to the SEND Tribunal (also called SENDIST). Before the Tribunal hearing, you must attempt mediation — but this is a short, free process. Around 99% of parents who reach a substantive Tribunal hearing win — but most appeals settle before getting that far, often on terms parents could have asked for sooner. You do not need a solicitor to appeal, though free legal advice is available through IPSEA and SOS!SEN.

What should I check in my child's draft EHCP?

Check that Section B (needs) accurately describes your child's difficulties, that Section F (provision) is specific and quantified (e.g., '3 hours per week of 1:1 speech therapy' not 'access to SALT'), and that every need in Section B has a matching provision in Section F. Use the SENDPath EHCP Checklist to review your draft section by section.

EHCP Help & Resources for Kent Families

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that sets out your child's needs and the support they must receive. The process can feel overwhelming, but you have more rights than you might think. This page brings together every EHCP resource on SENDPath — from your first request letter to Tribunal preparation.

🗺️ View visual EHCP journey → 📅 EHCP timeline tracker ✉️ Letter generator

Step one

Getting Started

How to request an EHC needs assessment, what to include, and free templates to help you write a strong application.

EHCP Application — Kent

The 20-week process explained in plain English. What to submit, who to contact at KCC, and what to do if you are refused.

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Free EHCP Template

A downloadable template to help you structure your parental views and evidence for the EHC needs assessment.

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EHCP Request Letter Template

Copy-paste letter template to request an EHC needs assessment from your local authority. Ready to send today.

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Review & improve

Checking Your Plan

Already have an EHCP? Make sure it is working for your child. These guides help you spot gaps and prepare for annual reviews.

EHCP Application Checklist

Section-by-section checklist to make sure every need has a matching, specific, quantified provision. Printable format.

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EHCP Annual Review — Your Rights

What to prepare, what KCC must do, and what to do if provision is cut or left unchanged. Do not just turn up.

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Know your rights

Appeals & Tribunal

If your EHCP request is refused, or the plan does not meet your child's needs, you have the right to appeal. Around 99% of parents who reach a hearing win — and most cases settle before then, on parent-favourable terms.

EHCP Appeals: Step-by-Step

How to challenge an EHCP decision — from mediation through to Tribunal. Timelines, evidence tips, and free support.

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EHCP Tribunal Kent

Step-by-step guide to representing yourself at SEND Tribunal. What to expect on the day, how to prepare your case bundle, and why the odds are in your favour.

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