The Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) is the process that determines whether a child or young person needs an EHCP. It gathers information from parents, teachers, and professionals such as Educational Psychologists, therapists, and doctors to understand the child’s needs.

• Parents or carers.
• The child’s school, nursery, or college.
• A young person over 16 (if they can make their own request).
• Professionals working with the child, such as a doctor or social worker.

• Speak to your child's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) at their school or setting.
  
• Fill out a request form on Croydon’s Local Offer website or contact the SEND Team at the council.
  
• Provide information about your child’s needs, including medical or specialist reports, if available. 

The whole process must be completed within 20 weeks from when the local authority receives the request.

The key stages are:

• Request Submitted (Week 0) - Parents, schools, or professionals request an assessment.
  
• Decision to Assess (Week 6) - The local authority decides whether to carry out an EHCNA.
  
• Assessment & Information Gathering (Weeks 6-16) - Reports and advice are gathered from professionals.
  
• Draft EHCP Issued (Week 16) - If an EHCP is agreed, a draft plan is sent to parents for review.
  
• Final EHCP Issued (Week 20) - The final EHCP is issued, naming the school or setting that will provide support. 

An EHCP can offer:

• Extra help in school, such as 1:1 support, specialist teaching, or assistive technology.
• Support from health services, like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy.
• Social care support for children and young people who need extra help at home or in the community.
• A named school, college, or setting that is best suited to meet the child’s needs.

If you need help understanding the process or applying for an EHCP, you can contact:

• Croydon’s SEND Team - For advice and to request an assessment.
  
• SENDIASS Croydon - A free and confidential service offering independent advice to parents and young people.
  
• Your child’s school SENCo - They can help you with the application and gather supporting evidence. 

Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) Flowchart

Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) Timeline

Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Process