Does your child or young person have a SEN Support Plan with "SMART" outcomes?
Are you involved in writing and reviewing that plan?
"SMART" outcomes are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time-bound
An outcome is the benefit or difference that parents and professionals would notice in the child or young person as a result of the support given.
These outcomes should make up your child or young person's SEN Support Plan. Remember, this may be called something else like an Individual Education Plan or similar. Before requesting an assessment, the SEN Support Plan would usually have been in place and reviewed at least two times. You should have been involved in writing and reviewing the plan.
Yes, they have a SEN Support Plan and they are making progress towards their outcomes
There is no need for an EHC assessment of your child or young person at this time.
The education setting understands all your child or young person’s needs. They are providing the extra and different support to help them to meet their outcomes and they are making progress with all of them. The SEN Support plan can continue while your child or young person needs extra and different support, and they are continuing to make progress.
While your child or young person is making good progress, your request may not be able to proceed. Visit the Local Offer for more guidance about supporting your child or young person.
You can choose to find out your next steps anyway.
It is appropriate to request an EHC assessment now.
Your request has the best chance of success when you and the education setting both agree to make the request. We recommend the education setting makes the request for you, because they will have all the supporting evidence.
No, they don’t have a SEN Support Plan
An EHC assessment is for children and young people whose needs are significant and long term, and when the education can't meet them with their usual resources. This includes using a SEN Support Plan.
You should talk to the education setting about using a SEN Support Plan to track your child or young person's progress.
For more help, you can talk to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS). They can give impartial help and can support you when talking to the education setting.
If you haven't got a SEN Support Plan in place your request may not be able to proceed.
You can choose to find out your next steps anyway.