Dear Sencos,
Please be aware that requests for statutory assessment (EHCA) made from late April to mid-June will result in educational psychology advice being due during the summer holidays. The implication of this is that the EP will be unable to assess the child in
context or speak to people who know them well in order to form a clear view of their needs and appropriate outcomes and provision.
Due to the statutory timeline, once the assessment is requested, we have no option but to complete the EP assessment within 6 weeks. This year we had a number of parents and schools asking for assessments to be repeated as they didn't feel the assessment
reflected the child sufficiently well. This causes unnecessary delay in the 20-week process and undue stress for young people and their families.
Whilst legally an application can be made at any point, please help us by avoiding the weeks rated as red or amber. In this way, we can ensure the best possible assessment leading to better outcomes for the child.
| Request made |
Date EP advice due |
