How Do I Request an EHCP in My London Borough?

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If you are caring for a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), navigating the process of requesting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can feel overwhelming. This is especially true for parents and carers in London boroughs, where local authority processes are intertwined with health and education systems. This guide will walk you through the essentials of an EHCP request, including the statutory assessment process, common issues like autism versus co-occurring conditions, and how national bodies such as NICE and GMC impact the guidance around diagnosis and treatment. We’ll also address some common myths and clarify what evidence is needed at each stage.

What Is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document that outlines the education, health, and social care support a child or young person (aged autism co-occurring conditions 0–25) with SEND requires. The EHCP is meant to provide long-term support beyond what mainstream schooling can offer, ensuring that diverse needs are met effectively.

The EHCP Request and Statutory Assessment Process in London Boroughs

Each London borough’s local authority manages EHCP requests and assessments. Although there might be slight variations in procedures, the local authority process follows statutory guidelines mandated by the Children and Families Act 2014.

Step 1: Early Identification and Gathering Evidence

Before requesting an EHCP, it’s best to collect evidence of your child or young person’s needs and difficulties. This may include:

Reports and letters from healthcare professionals (paediatricians, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists)
School assessments, including teacher observations and school reports
Previous Education, Health and Care Plans or Statements (if applicable)
Any social care assessments or support plans

Documentation supporting formal diagnoses (e.g., autism, epilepsy) will help guide the local authority and professionals who review your request.

Step 2: Making the EHCP Request

You, your child (if old enough), or your child’s school or early years setting can formally request an EHCP assessment by submitting a written request to your borough’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) team. Most boroughs have dedicated webpages or downloadable forms.

After receiving the request, the local authority has up to six weeks to decide whether or not to proceed with a statutory EHCP assessment. At this stage, it is wise to double-check you have submitted all relevant reports and evidence.

Step 3: Statutory Assessment

If the local authority agrees, the statutory assessment begins and can last up to 20 weeks. This involves gathering advice and reports from multiple professionals, including:

Educational psychologists
Medical professionals (paediatricians, community health teams)
Social care services
Other relevant specialists (e.g., speech and language therapy)

Your input as a parent or young person is crucial during assessments. The council must consider all the evidence before deciding whether to issue an EHCP.

Step 4: EHCP Issuance or Closure

Following the assessment, the local authority either issues the EHCP or decides an EHCP is not necessary. You can appeal if you disagree with this decision.

Understanding Autism Versus Co-Occurring Conditions in EHCPs

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have additional conditions, known as co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or learning disabilities. It is critical when requesting an EHCP to identify which needs stem directly from autism and which stem from associated conditions. This differentiation affects the type of support recommended.

Autism itself refers to a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors.
Co-occurring conditions include physical health issues like epilepsy or mental health problems such as anxiety.

Sometimes, parents or providers conflate treatments or educational strategies effective for co-occurring conditions as treatments for autism itself. For example, treating epilepsy is crucial for safety and wellbeing but does not “treat” autism. The EHCP should clearly state the needs and interventions relevant to each aspect.

What Does NICE Say About Autism and Related Conditions?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the authoritative body developing evidence-based recommendations for health and social care practices. Their guidance on autism in under 19s addresses diagnosis, assessment, and interventions.

Key points from NICE guidance relevant to EHCPs:

NICE recommends against any “cure” or “treatment for autism” because autism is not an illness but a neurodevelopmental condition.
They emphasize tailored education, behavioural interventions, communication support, and social skills development.
NICE also flags the importance of recognizing and managing co-occurring conditions, such as epilepsy, where indicated.
The guidance library reminds professionals to avoid non-evidence-based therapies and interventions without robust outcome measures.

This means when you submit an EHCP request, referencing NICE guidance can help ensure your request is aligned with best practices and evidence standards.

Narrow Epilepsy Indications Relevant for EHCPs: Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut Syndromes

Epilepsy co-occurs in roughly 20-30% of autistic children and may severely impact educational access and daily functioning. Some epilepsy syndromes, like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), are particularly complex and rare, requiring specialist input.

Importantly, only these narrow epileptic conditions have specific tailored NICE technology appraisals and treatment pathways due to their severity and drug-resistant nature. For example, cannabidiol (CBD)-based medications have been licensed specifically for Dravet and LGS under rigid clinical guidelines and with GMC-registered prescribers.

When EHCPs include epilepsy management, the focus should be on these evidence-backed treatments and their impact on education and behavior rather than unproven “autism treatments.”

Evidence Limits, Placebo Effects, and Avoiding Overclaiming

Families and school staff involved in EHCPs sometimes report subjective improvements such as children “seeming calmer” or “more focused” after new treatments or interventions. However, without objective measurement plans and clinical oversight, such claims risk overestimating interventions’ effectiveness due to placebo effects or observer bias.

The GMC (General Medical Council) underscores the importance of evidence-based medicine and clear consent processes in prescribing and care plans. Similarly, NICE guidance advocates for routine outcomes monitoring to ensure that therapeutic interventions truly benefit the child’s development and independence.

When making an EHCP request or advocating for specific supports, ensure you:

Request or provide evidence from recognized assessments and specialist reports
Avoid anecdotal or unmeasured claims that cannot be verified
Engage professionals who follow NICE and GMC standards for care and prescribing

London Borough EHCP Request Checklist

Gather evidence: School reports, medical diagnoses, specialist assessments.
Clarify needs: Identify autism and co-occurring conditions separately.
Submit request: Use your borough’s official form or contact SEN department.
Stay informed: Keep track of deadlines (6 weeks for decision, 20 weeks for assessment).
Attend meetings: Participate in multidisciplinary assessments and reviews.
Refer to guidance: Mention relevant NICE guidelines and any applicable GMC-regulated care plans.
Prepare for decisions: Know your right to appeal or request mediation if needed.

Final Thoughts

Requesting an EHCP in any London borough can be daunting, but understanding the local authority process, being clear about autism and related conditions, and referencing authoritative NICE and GMC guidance will strengthen your request. Keep a sharp eye on the evidence quality behind each intervention proposed for your child, and be ready to advocate firmly and knowledgeably to secure the support your family needs.

If you are starting this journey, remember that you are not alone. Local parent forums, charities, and professional advisors can help decode borough-specific procedures and ensure your child accesses the right help, at the right time, and in the right way.

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