The way children with special educational needs (SEN) are assessed changed with effect from 1 September 2014. Statements of SEN and Learning Difficulty Assessments (LDAs) were replaced with a single Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan for children and young people with complex needs.

All requests for a statutory assessment since that date result in the Local Authority deciding whether to assess a child/young person for an EHC plan. The process takes a total of 20 weeks.

An education, health and care (EHC) plan is for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support.

EHC plans identify educational, health and social needs and set out the additional support to meet those needs.

If you are a young person or adult over the age of 16 but under the age of 25, you should write to:

Additional Needs Administration Service
People’s Services Department
Atlas House
Corporation Street
St Helens
Merseyside
WA9 1LD

In your letter you should state that:

• You are making this request in accordance with Section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
• Describe the reasons why you feel it is necessary to request an education, health and care needs assessment of your child’s needs.
• Attach any relevant documents or reports.

You can complete an application form if this would assist, and this can be requested from the address above.

Upon receipt of your application, a Provision Agreement Panel (PAP) meeting takes place and you will be notified of its decision within six weeks.

Find more information about education, health and care plans and the St.Helens SEN offer.