Sources: assessment test and evidence; six-week decision rule.
Who This Is For
You've been seeking support. The school says they're doing everything they can. Your child is struggling. You're exhausted.
Download a free parent-friendly template to request an EHC needs assessment. Check and adapt it for your family's circumstances before sending.
Get the free template →This template helps you request an EHC needs assessment. A request does not guarantee an assessment or a plan: KCC must apply the legal tests. If a plan is issued, particular bodies have duties for specified provision; it is not an unlimited promise of every requested service.
💙 A Note to Parents
Asking for help is not giving up. It's being your child's strongest advocate. You've already done so much. This is one more step — and you can do it.
The Template
Copy this into a document and adapt it truthfully. Delete options that do not apply. A diagnosis, failed SEN Support cycles or paid reports are not prerequisites. You can use the wording to prepare KCC’s online request or ask KCC for its current alternative submission route.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Postcode] [Email] [Phone Number] [Date] To: Kent County Council [Use the current EHC needs assessment submission route linked below] Dear Sir or Madam, RE: Request for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment for [Child's Full Name], DOB [DOB] I am writing to formally request that Kent County Council carries out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment for my child, [Child's Name]. About my child: [Child's Name] is [age] years old and [attends School/Setting Name / is not currently attending a setting]. Their identified or suspected special educational needs include [describe difficulties and how they affect learning or access to education]. [Mention a diagnosis only if applicable and accurate.] Why an EHC needs assessment is requested: [Child's Name] experiences difficulties with [keep only relevant examples and explain them]: • [Example: social communication and interaction] • [Example: sensory processing] • [Example: emotional regulation] • [Example: academic progress] I believe my child has or may have special educational needs, and that it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made through an EHC plan. My reasons are [describe the needs, provision required and any relevant evidence]. Current support: [Describe any support currently provided, what is missing, and its effect. If no support is in place, say so.]: • [e.g., SEN Support plan, 1:1 TA support, speech therapy] • [Include any professional reports you have — SALT, OT, EP, paediatrician] Impact on daily life: The difficulties described above significantly impact [his/her/their] ability to: • Access the curriculum • Participate in school activities • Manage transitions between activities • Build relationships with peers Please consider this request under section 36(8) of the Children and Families Act 2014. The evidence above explains why I believe that test is met. Supporting documents enclosed (please tick): □ School reports / SEN Support plan □ [Any other reports, e.g., SALT, OT, EP] Please confirm when you received this request and notify me of your decision within the normal six-week statutory period. If you consider a statutory exception applies, please explain which one and why. Yours faithfully, [Your Name] [Relationship to child]
📤 How to Submit in Kent
- Online: create an account and use KCC's current EHC needs assessment request.
- Keep evidence: save the confirmation, the completed request and every attachment.
- Need help? IASK provides free support on 03000 41 3000.
How to Make Your Letter Stronger
💡 Preparing Your Request
- Be specific — "James cannot concentrate for more than 5 minutes" is stronger than "James finds school difficult"
- Use their own words — quote school reports
- Include impact — how does this affect their daily life? Their friendships? Your family?
- Don't over-explain — keep it to 1-2 pages
- Keep a copy and submission evidence — save KCC’s confirmation, upload receipt or evidence of delivery. Emailing yourself alone does not prove KCC received it.
You Don't Have to Do This Alone
Getting this right matters. These services can help:
- IPSEA — call-in helpline: 0300 222 5899 (check current opening times on IPSEA’s website); pre-booked Advice and Tribunal Helplines are arranged online
- SENDIASS Kent — 03000 41 3000
- Kent PACT — parent support network
FAQ
Do I need a diagnosis to request an EHCP?
No. You can request an EHCP assessment without a diagnosis. However, having professional reports helps.
How long does Kent take to respond?
KCC must normally notify you within six weeks of receiving the request whether it will assess, subject to limited statutory exceptions. Keep proof of receipt and ask for a written explanation of any delay. See SEND Regulation 5.
What happens if they say no?
You may be able to appeal. Check the decision letter, mediation-certificate rule and deadline. HMCTS 2024/25 outcome data does not predict an individual appeal. Contact IPSEA or an IASS for help.
Can I use this for other councils?
The EHC needs assessment framework described here applies in England. For another English council, adapt the details and use its current submission route. Other UK nations have different systems; this is not a UK-wide legal template.
📋 Full EHCP Guide
Everything you need to know
📋 First 100 Days
What to do after diagnosis
⚖️ Tribunal Guide
If you need to appeal
🧑⚕️ Find Support
Therapists & services
Related Guides & Tools
EHCP Application Guide for Kent
Step-by-step walkthrough of applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan in Kent.
Read guide →EHCP Checklist
Check the initial draft or final plan for missing needs and provision, and identify the appropriate challenge route.
Read guide →EHCP Appeal Guide
Your child's EHCP was refused or isn't right. Step-by-step guide to appealing to the SEND Tribunal.
Read guide →Check IPSEA’s current helpline arrangements · checked 7 September 2026.