Education views

When an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment is requested, we must get advice and information. This will come from your child's or young person’s place of learning.

Evidence your child or young person has not made expected progress 

The SEND Code of Practice 2015, Chapter 9.14 states that when we are establishing whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary, we should consider:

• Whether there is evidence your child or young person has not made expected progress

This lack of expected progress will be despite the place of learning taking ‘relevant and purposeful action’ to identify, assess and meet the child or young person's special educational needs (SEN). 

We will need to take into account a wide range of evidence from your child's or young person’s place of learning. We will pay particular attention to:

• Evidence of their academic attainment, or developmental milestones in younger children, and rate of progress 
• Information about the nature, extent and context of their SEN
• Evidence of the action already being taken by the early years' provider, school or post-16 institution to meet their SEN
• Evidence of progress that has only been made as the result of much additional intervention and support. This should be over and above that which is usually provided
• Evidence of their physical, emotional and social development and health needs. This evidence should come from clinicians, other health professionals and agencies
• If your young person is over 18-years-old, we must consider whether they require additional time to complete their education or training. This is in comparison to the majority of other young people of the same age, who do not have SEN

Educational advice from a head teacher, principal or early years’ manager

The SEND Code of Practice 2015, Chapter 9.49 also states that when we carry out an EHC needs assessment, we must gather educational advice and information from the head teacher, principal or manager of the place of learning attended by your child or young person.

If this is not available, we must seek advice from a person with knowledge of the educational provision which may meet your child or young person’s needs. If this is not available and the child or young person does not attend an educational institution, we must seek educational advice and information. This should be from a person responsible for educational provision for the child or young person.

Recording these educational views

In Norfolk, the EHC needs assessment form is used to make a request