Requesting an EHC needs assessment

Who can ask, how to ask, and the statutory clocks that start ticking.

• •Who can request it: you (parent/carer), a young person aged 16-25, the school or college, or -- per gov.uk -- "anyone else who thinks an assessment may be necessary," including doctors, health visitors, and teachers.
• •How: there's no special statutory form. IPSEA is explicit that a council can't reject your request just because you didn't use their form -- a clear letter is enough.
• •6 weeks: the council must tell you whether it will carry out an assessment.
• •20 weeks total: from your request to a final EHCP (or a decision not to issue one), with a decision on whether to issue a plan due by week 16, and at least 15 calendar days for you to comment on the draft.