EHCP template letters

[today’s date]

Dear [your council] SEND Team,

Re: [your child’s name], date of birth [date of birth]

I am writing to request an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment for my child, [your child’s name], under Section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

[your child’s name] has special educational needs and, despite the support provided so far, is not making the progress I would expect. I believe [your child’s name] may need support beyond that which is ordinarily available at [current school or nursery].

I understand that you must decide whether to carry out an assessment, and tell me that decision, within 6 weeks of this request. Please confirm that you have received this letter.

Yours faithfully,
[your name]

[today’s date]

Dear [your council] SEND Team,

Re: [your child’s name], date of birth [date of birth]: request for a named school

Thank you for the draft EHC plan for [your child’s name]. I confirm that I would like [the school you would like named] to be named in Section I of [your child’s name]'s plan.

I believe this school can meet [your child’s name]'s needs as set out in the plan. Please consult the school and confirm the placement in the final plan.

Yours faithfully,
[your name]

[today’s date]

Dear [your council] SEND Team,

Re: [your child’s name], date of birth [date of birth]: comments on the draft EHC plan

Thank you for the draft EHC plan for [your child’s name]. I have the following comments and requested changes:

Section B (special educational needs):
- [add or correct any needs that are missing or not fully described]

Section F (special educational provision):
- [make sure every need in Section B has specific, quantified support: who delivers it, how often, and for how long]

Please make these changes before issuing the final plan. I confirm that I would like [the school you would like named] to be named in Section I.

Yours faithfully,
[your name]

[today’s date]

Dear [your council] SEND Team,

Re: [your child’s name], date of birth [date of birth]: missed legal deadline

I asked for an EHC needs assessment for [your child’s name] on [the date you asked], and a legal deadline has now passed without the decision or plan I am owed.

Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Regulations 2014 these are legal deadlines. Waiting lists and staffing pressures are not lawful reasons for delay. Please tell me, within 5 working days, exactly when I can expect the outstanding decision or plan.

Yours faithfully,
[your name]

[today’s date]

Dear [your council] SEND Team,

Re: [your child’s name], date of birth [date of birth]: request for an early annual review

I am writing to request an early review of [your child’s name]'s EHC plan. [your child’s name]'s needs or circumstances have changed, and I do not believe the current plan still meets them because [briefly explain what has changed].

Please arrange a review meeting and confirm the date.

Yours faithfully,
[your name]

[today’s date]

Dear [your council] SEND Team,

Re: [your child’s name], date of birth [date of birth]: mediation

I am considering appealing to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) about your recent decision. Before doing so I would like to arrange mediation.

Please give me the contact details of your mediation adviser and issue a mediation certificate. I understand that considering mediation does not commit me to it, nor does it reduce my right to appeal.

Yours faithfully,
[your name]