What happens during needs assessment

If a needs assessment goes ahead, we will ask for:

• the views of the child's parents or carers and the young person
• reports from professionals such as:
  • the head teacher or SENCO
  • early years staff
  • health professionals
  • an educational psychologist
  • a teacher for the visually or hearing impaired
  • a social worker

Everyone must send in their information within six weeks. The SEND Panel then decides whether to issue an EHC Plan. If agreed, a draft plan is written and shared with everyone involved. There is then 15 days to read the draft and ask for any changes before the final plan is issued.

Process guidance

Request received

Needs assessment request meeting

Parents/carers, the educational setting, and other relevant professionals meet to complete the needs assessment form together. There will be evidenced cycles of the graduated approach to show that relevant and purposeful action to identify, assess and meet the special educational needs of the child or young person has been made, including involving appropriate professionals.

Checklist

• ensure all relevant information is included in the referral

What happens next

The needs assessment request will be submitted to Gateshead SEND Team and you will be assigned, and contact by, a SEND caseworker based on the education setting.

Weeks 1 to 6

We decide whether to carry out an assessment.

During this time, you will be contacted by the SEND Team to confirm that we've received the request for an education, health and care needs assessment for your child and to let you know what support is available, including information about the Local Offer and the assessment process.

Checklist

• if you would like help through the process ask for an Independent Supporter

What happens next

You will receive a letter telling you whether needs assessment will take place (see weeks 7 to 12). If an assessment will not take place and you disagree, talk to the SEND caseworker involved. Following this you can arrange to meet with a senior officer to discuss the reasons for the refusal further. If you are still unhappy, you can appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal, but you will need to speak to the SEN Mediation Service first. You can also speak to the SENCO at your child's school to check what support they can offer.

Weeks 7 to 12

Assessment gets underway with compilation of reports.

During this time you will:

• be asked to attend any meetings arranged as part of the assessment
• be reminded to return the parent/carer's views form (if not already done)

Checklist

• attend all meetings requested - if not, this could delay the process.

What happens next

A decision will be made whether an EHC Plan will be provided:

• yes - an EHC plan will be drafted (see weeks 13 to 16)
• no - you will be sent a letter telling you that an EHC Plan will not be provided. If you disagree talk to the SEND caseworker involved. If you're sill unhappy, you can appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal.

Weeks 13 to 16

A draft EHC Plan is produced.

During this time you will be:

• sent a copy of the draft EHC Plan
• given 15 days to make any comments or changes and express a preference for the school or type of school you want named on the EHCP

Checklist

• this is your chance to make sure the EHC Plan is right

What happens next

The draft EHC is refined and any changes made, taking account of your comments and other feedback from practitioners and relevant agencies. Schools that you have requested will be consulted and will have 15 days to respond.

Weeks 17 to 20

Final EHC Plan produced.

During this time you will be:

• sent a final EHC Plan
• informed of your right to appeal should you be unhappy

Checklist

• you can contact your SEND caseworker or Independent Supporter if you have any concerns about the plan

What happens next

The final EHC Plan is now in place and will be put into action. If you are unhappy with the EHC Plan you can appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal, but in most cases you will need to speak to the SEN Mediation Service first. The school will review the EHCP informally through the year and formally on an annual basis. If issues arise before an annual review, then an early or emergency review of the EHCP can be requested.