EHC needs assessment requests

What a professional should do before making an EHC needs assessment request

If you are a professional who is considering making an EHC needs assessment request it is helpful if you have already taken the following steps:

Have you referred to a school and community team if not could this now be done?
Have you checked whether there is a coordinated approach around the family, such as an Early help for children and families assessment and plan (EHAP)?
Have you discussed the child or Young person with The SEND and inclusion team? If not, can a referral or request for discussion now be made to consider what extra support could be considered without the need for a needs assessment request?
Have you considered and reviewed the Child or Young persons Individual Learning Plan/SEN support plan?
Have you contacted the council's SEND and Inclusion Support Line on 0333 313 7165? The line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays