You've been fighting for support. The school says they're doing everything they can. Your child is struggling. You're exhausted.
Download our parent-friendly template to request an EHC needs assessment. Used by hundreds of parents across the UK — free, no strings attached.
Get the free template →This template helps you formally request Kent County Council to assess your child for an EHCP — the legal document that forces them to provide the support your child needs.
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.
Copy and paste this into a document, fill in the [bracketed sections], and send to Kent County Council.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Postcode] [Email] [Phone Number] [Date] To: SEN Team Kent County Council Sessions House Maidstone Kent ME14 1XQ 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 Name]. They have diagnosed needs including [autism/ADHD/specific learning difficulty/etc. — delete as appropriate]. Why an EHCP is needed: Despite [School Name] making reasonable adjustments, [Child's Name] continues to experience significant difficulties with: • [Example: social communication and interaction] • [Example: sensory processing] • [Example: emotional regulation] • [Example: academic progress] These difficulties mean [he/she/they] requires support beyond what is available through SEN Support in school. Current support: [Child's Name] currently receives: • [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 I believe an EHC Needs Assessment is necessary because the support currently in place is not sufficient to meet [Child's Name]'s needs. Supporting documents enclosed (please tick): □ School reports / SEN Support plan □ [Any other reports, e.g., SALT, OT, EP] I look forward to your response within 6 weeks as required by the SEND Code of Practice. Yours faithfully, [Your Name] [Relationship to child]
Getting this right matters. These services can help:
No. You can request an EHCP assessment without a diagnosis. However, having professional reports helps.
Kent must respond within 6 weeks to say whether they'll assess.
You can appeal. 99% of parents who go to hearing win (MOJ 2024/25). Contact IPSEA for help.
Yes — just change the address and council name. The format works everywhere.
Everything you need to know
What to do after diagnosis
If you need to appeal
Therapists & services
Step-by-step walkthrough of applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan in Kent.
Read guide →Section F of your EHCP is legally binding. Use this checklist to catch the gaps before you sign off.
Read guide →Your child's EHCP was refused or isn't right. Step-by-step guide to appealing to the SEND Tribunal.
Read guide →