Requesting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessment can feel daunting, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the legal process or unsure where to start.
In this short video, our education law specialist Erin Smart explains the first formal step towards securing an EHCP and how parents can confidently navigate the assessment request process.
The video is part of our wider series designed to empower parents of children with special educational needs, whether or not an EHCP is already in place. It focuses on practical guidance, key legal principles and common issues parents encounter when engaging with schools and local authorities.
25.09.2025
Top tips for requesting an EHCP needs assessment
This downloadable checklist sets out practical, legally informed steps parents can take to improve their chances of having their preferred school named in their child’s EHCP.
Reach out to our education specialists for guidance on EHCPs
If you are concerned about your child’s progress or feel that their needs are not being adequately met in a mainstream setting, this video offers a helpful starting point. It explains the early steps parents can take and highlights when specialist legal advice may be appropriate.
The video is presented by Erin Smart, an associate in our education law team. Erin advises on a wide range of education matters, with a particular focus on special educational needs. She regularly supports families with applications for Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments and EHC plans, and also advises on related issues including discrimination, school admissions and exclusions.
