EHCP Applications
Request an EHC needs assessment properly
A strong request should show clearly what your child needs, what has already been tried and why ordinary school support is no longer enough.
I review the evidence and prepare the request for an EHC needs assessment on your behalf.
When an EHCP application may be needed
You may be considering an EHC needs assessment because:
School support is no longer enough
Your child is receiving additional support but continues to struggle.
Needs are becoming clearer
ADHD, autism, dyslexia, speech and language needs, mental health difficulties or other needs have been identified.
Progress does not reflect ability
Your child is capable, but attainment, attendance or participation is being affected by unmet need.
The school agrees more support is required
But it is not clear how that support will be secured or funded.
You have been told to “wait and see”
And you believe the difficulties have already gone beyond what can reasonably be managed without statutory assessment.
Services and Fees
Review of your evidence
I review the school information, professional reports and other relevant documents you provide.
Case assessment
I consider whether the evidence supports a request for an EHC needs assessment and identify any obvious gaps.
Written EHC needs assessment request
I prepare the request setting out:
your child’s needs;
the educational impact;
support already tried;
why existing provision is not sufficient;
and why an EHC needs assessment is necessary.
Evidence organisation
I identify the documents that should accompany the request and how they support it.
Submission-ready documents
You receive the completed request and supporting structure ready for submission to the local authority.
£895 fixed fee
The fee covers the work described above.
It does not include ongoing case management after the request has been prepared.
What happens after the application is submitted
Once the request has been submitted, the local authority begins its own decision-making process.
You may then receive:
requests for further information;
a decision whether to assess;
professional advice during the assessment;
a draft EHCP;
or a refusal which may carry a right of appeal.
If you need further help at that stage, you can instruct me separately.
Case management — £150 per hour
Ongoing work is charged at £150 per hour and must be agreed before it is carried out.
This can include:
reviewing local-authority correspondence;
responding to specific developments;
reviewing new evidence;
drafting agreed correspondence;
advice following a decision;
or preparation for the next stage.
The £895 application fee does not include unlimited email support, ongoing correspondence or repeated back-and-forth advice.
Where further work is needed, I will tell you what I recommend and the likely time required before continuing.
Questions families often ask
Do you guarantee that the local authority will assess?
No. The local authority makes the decision. My role is to make sure the request presents the evidence and statutory case as clearly as possible.
Do I need a diagnosis first?
Not necessarily. What matters is the evidence of your child’s needs, the effect on education and the provision required.
Can I apply without the school?
Yes. A parent can request an EHC needs assessment directly.
Will you obtain professional reports for me?
No. If important evidence appears to be missing, I will explain what may be useful. Any assessment by another professional is separate.
What happens if the local authority refuses to assess?
A refusal may carry a right of appeal. I can advise separately on the decision and the next steps.
Ready to request an assessment?
Tell me briefly:
your child’s age;
current school;
main areas of need;
support already in place;
and what evidence or professional reports you already have.
I will confirm whether the service is appropriate and what I need from you to begin.
What happens after you submit
I reply personally by email within one working day. My reply will confirm whether the matter falls within my placement work, whether I have capacity, what stage the case has reached and what I recommend as the next paid service. If I cannot help, I will tell you clearly.
Prefer email? hello@johnpaulinglis.co.uk
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