EHCP Assessments
Independent psychiatric and psychological evaluation for EHCP assessments to determine a child or young person’s special educational needs and required health provision. We provide comprehensive evidence for SEND Tribunal proceedings, with urgent reports available.
Expert Type
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
- Educational Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
Applicable Law
- Children and Families Act 2014
- SEND Regulations 2014
- Equality Act 2010
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years)
When Needed
This assessment is required when a local authority refuses to issue an EHCP or when the educational and health provision described in an existing plan is challenged at a SEND Tribunal.
What Is a EHCP Assessment?
An EHCP assessment within a legal context is a detailed clinical evaluation used to identify the special educational needs of a child or young person. These assessments are critical when appealing local authority decisions regarding the content of Section B (needs) and Section G (health provision) of an Education, Health and Care Plan.
The assessment is informed by the statutory framework set out in the Children and Families Act 2014, including consideration of whether the individual has a learning difficulty or disability that may require special educational provision. Our experts evaluate the nexus between clinical diagnoses and the specific support required to access education.
- Special Educational Needs (SEN) — identification of learning difficulties or disabilities
- Health Provision requirements — necessary clinical support to facilitate learning
- Functional limitations — impact of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions on education
- Psychological well-being — assessment of emotional and mental health barriers
- Cognitive profile — evaluation of intellectual functioning and processing speed
- Recommendations for Section G — specific, quantified, and qualified health interventions
Our experts provide robust evidence for the First-tier Tribunal,ensuring that reports comply with the applicable Tribunal procedural rules and, where directed, are prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35 principles.
These reports provide the tribunal with an independent expert opinion on the child’s complex needs, often bridging the gap between clinical diagnosis and educational necessity.
Key Assessment Components
Our assessment evaluates the following areas:
Clinical Interview
A detailed consultation with the child and their parents to understand developmental history and current challenges.
Psychometric Testing
Standardised tools used to quantify cognitive abilities and identify specific learning gaps.
Document Review
A thorough analysis of educational records, previous medical reports, and school correspondence.
Functional Assessment
Observation of how psychiatric symptoms or neurodevelopmental differences manifest in an educational setting.
Provision Mapping
Identifying the specific therapeutic interventions required to meet the identified health and educational needs.
Tribunal-Ready Reporting
Synthesis of findings into a structured report that addresses the legal tests required by the SEND Tribunal.
Conditions That May Affect This Assessment
A range of psychiatric and psychological conditions can affect this assessment. These include:
The impact of these conditions often fluctuates significantly, requiring a nuanced understanding of how environmental factors influence a child’s ability to learn.
Assessment Process
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Instruction Received
Formal instructions from solicitors or parents are reviewed to define the scope of the appeal.
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Expert Matched
We select a child psychiatrist or psychologist with specific expertise in the relevant condition, such as ASD or SEMH.
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Assessment Conducted
A comprehensive clinical assessment is carried out, including home or school visits where appropriate.
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Report Delivered
A detailed report is produced, prepared in accordance with applicable Tribunal rules and, where required, CPR Part 35, outlining clear recommendations for the EHCP.
Turnaround Times
| Urgency Level | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Standard Report | 4-6 weeks from assessment |
| Priority Report | 1-2 weeks |
| Urgent Report | 1-4 days |
What’s Included in the Report
All reports are written to the highest medico-legal standards and our experts are available to provide oral testimony at Tribunal hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a EHCP Assessment Report?
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Related SEND Tribunal Services
Specialized diagnostic evaluations for Autism Spectrum Disorder within a legal or educational framework.
Clinical assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and its impact on functional and educational outcomes.
Comprehensive testing of intellectual functioning, memory, and processing speeds to identify learning disabilities.
Assessments focusing on communication disorders and the required therapeutic interventions for EHCPs.
Evaluation of sensory processing and motor skills needs for inclusion in SEND Tribunal evidence.
Determining the capacity of young people over 16 to make decisions regarding their own education and EHCP.
