Requesting an assessment of Special Educational Needs

The following people have a specific right to ask the local authority to conduct an education, health and care needs assessment for a child or young person aged between 0 and 25:

• the child’s parent
• a young person over the age of 16 but under the age of 25, and a person acting on behalf of a school or post-16 institution (this should ideally be with the knowledge and agreement of the parent or young person where possible)

The person requesting the assessment can do so by contacting the Special Educational Needs Team on 0161 342 4433, by using the template letter on the council website or by instructing a professional to do so on your behalf.
Examples of people who can bring a child or young person who has (or may have) SEN to the attention of the local authority, particularly where they think an EHC needs assessment may be necessary:

• Foster carers,
• Health and social care professionals,
• Early years practitioners,
• Youth offending teams or probation services,
• Those responsible for education in custody,
• School or college staff,
• Family friend

Children and young people under 19 in youth custodial establishments also have the right to request an assessment for an EHC plan. The child’s parent, the young person themselves or the professionals working with them can ask the home local authority to conduct an EHC needs assessment while they are still detained.