Access Compass guide
EHCP: Requesting an Assessment & Timeline (North & West Northants)
How to ask for an EHC needs assessment, what happens next, local contacts, and the statutory 20-week timeline.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers
✓ Verified Last checked 16 Jul 2026. Review due 15 Aug 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Visual explanations
These diagrams use real text, so the same complete information can be zoomed, selected, read aloud and printed.
Timeline · full text built in
EHC needs assessment: the 20-week route
A timeline from an EHC needs assessment request at week zero to the assessment decision by week six, draft and issue decisions, final plan by week twenty, and challenge routes after a refusal or final plan. The headings and lists that follow are the complete text equivalent of this visual.
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Week 0
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Request received
The local authority records the request and gathers information needed to decide whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary.
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By week 6
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Assessment decision
The authority normally tells you whether it will assess within six weeks, subject to the lawful exceptions.
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If refused
Ask for the written reasons and use mediation advice and the SEND Tribunal route within the applicable deadline.
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Assessment and co-production
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Evidence from all required areas
The child or young person's views and advice from education, health, social care and other relevant professionals inform needs and provision.
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By week 16
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Issue decision
The authority normally decides whether an EHC plan is necessary by week sixteen, subject to lawful exceptions.
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If a draft is issued
Check every identified need has specific, quantified provision and respond about the draft and preferred setting.
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If no plan
Obtain the formal decision and challenge information; a panel note alone should not replace an appealable decision.
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By week 20
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Final plan
The final plan should normally be issued within twenty weeks of the request, subject to lawful exceptions. Check sections B, F, I and the health and social-care sections together.
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After the decision
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Mediation and appeal
Use the decision letter, mediation certificate where required, and current tribunal deadlines. Seek specialist advice if time is short.
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Printable and zoomable: this is structured text, not an image.
Step by step
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Know your rights
Parents or a young person (16–25) can ask the local authority for an EHC needs assessment at any time. A diagnosis is not required. If criteria are met, the authority must assess and–if special educational provision is needed–issue the final plan within 20 weeks unless exceptions apply.
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West Northamptonshire: apply or contact
Use the online request route and see the local process pages for timelines and contacts.
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North Northamptonshire: contacts & process
The Virtual School page signposts the EHC teams (assessment, review, provision & placement) and sets out the 0–20 week stages. Timeline: 6-week decision on assessment, 20-week total process. Appeals and mediation information available through SENDIASS.
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Get independent support
SENDIASS (impartial) can help with requests, draft plan reviews, and mediation/appeals.
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If you disagree
You can use mediation or appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Keep evidence and deadlines in view (usually 2 months from decision letter).
Useful links
Source: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help