Free EHCP Request Letter Template

A simple, proven template to request an Education, Health and Care Plan assessment from Kent County Council. No jargon. Just fill in the blanks.

Updated: February 2026

Who This Is For

You've been fighting for support. The school says they're doing everything they can. Your child is struggling. You're exhausted.

This template helps you formally request Kent County Council to assess your child for an EHCP — the legal document that forces them to provide the support your child needs.

💙 A Note to Parents

Asking for help is not giving up. It's being your child's strongest advocate. You've already done so much. This is one more step — and you can do it.

The Template

Copy and paste this into a document, fill in the [bracketed sections], and send to Kent County Council.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Postcode]
[Email]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

To: 
SEN Team
Kent County Council
Sessions House
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XQ

Dear Sir or Madam,

RE: Request for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment for [Child's Full Name], DOB [DOB]

I am writing to formally request that Kent County Council carries out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment for my child, [Child's Name].

About my child:
[Child's Name] is [age] years old and attends [School Name]. They have diagnosed needs including [autism/ADHD/specific learning difficulty/etc. — delete as appropriate].

Why an EHCP is needed:
Despite [School Name] making reasonable adjustments, [Child's Name] continues to experience significant difficulties with:
• [Example: social communication and interaction]
• [Example: sensory processing]
• [Example: emotional regulation]
• [Example: academic progress]

These difficulties mean [he/she/they] requires support beyond what is available through SEN Support in school.

Current support:
[Child's Name] currently receives:
• [e.g., SEN Support plan, 1:1 TA support, speech therapy]
• [Include any professional reports you have — SALT, OT, EP, paediatrician]

Impact on daily life:
The difficulties described above significantly impact [his/her/their] ability to:
• Access the curriculum
• Participate in school activities
• Manage transitions between activities
• Build relationships with peers

I believe an EHC Needs Assessment is necessary because the support currently in place is not sufficient to meet [Child's Name]'s needs.

Supporting documents enclosed (please tick):
□ School reports / SEN Support plan
□ [Any other reports, e.g., SALT, OT, EP]

I look forward to your response within 6 weeks as required by the SEND Code of Practice.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]
[Relationship to child]

📧 How to Send

How to Make Your Letter Stronger

💡 Tips from parents who've succeeded

  1. Be specific — "James cannot concentrate for more than 5 minutes" is stronger than "James finds school difficult"
  2. Use their own words — quote school reports
  3. Include impact — how does this affect their daily life? Their friendships? Your family?
  4. Don't over-explain — keep it to 1-2 pages
  5. Keep a copy — email yourself so you have proof of sending

You Don't Have to Do This Alone

Getting this right matters. These services can help:

  • IPSEA — free helpline: 0800 018 4016
  • SENDIASS Kent — 0300 123 6728
  • Kent PACT — parent support network

FAQ

Do I need a diagnosis to request an EHCP?

No. You can request an EHCP assessment without a diagnosis. However, having professional reports helps.

How long does Kent take to respond?

Kent must respond within 6 weeks to say whether they'll assess.

What happens if they say no?

You can appeal. 98% of parents win at tribunal. Contact IPSEA for help.

Can I use this for other councils?

Yes — just change the address and council name. The format works everywhere.

© 2026 SENDPath — Built by a Kent parent, for Kent parents.

⚠️ This is a template — adapt to your situation.