Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments
An overview from Irwin Mitchell

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An Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment is carried out by a local authority to decide if a child or young person needs an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It also looks at what support should be provided.
In this factsheet we’ll outline:
- When a local authority must carry out an EHC needs assessment, including in response to a request
- Who must be consulted and provide advice
- The statutory steps that need to be followed, including timescales