Avoiding the top 4 mistakes parents make in EHC Needs Assessment applications
- www.sk8tutoring.co.uk
- Dec 11, 2025
- 2 min read
Applying for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment can feel overwhelming for many parents. The process is detailed and requires careful preparation. Unfortunately, some common mistakes can delay or even prevent a child from getting the support they need. Knowing these pitfalls and how to avoid them can make a big difference in the outcome of your application.
EHC Needs Assessment Mistakes 1: Not Gathering Enough Evidence
One of the biggest errors parents make is submitting an application without enough supporting evidence. The local authority relies on detailed information about your child’s needs to decide whether an assessment is necessary.
How to avoid this:
Collect reports from professionals such as teachers, doctors, speech therapists, or psychologists.
Include recent assessments, school reports, and any relevant medical records.
Keep a diary of your child’s challenges and progress over time to provide real-life examples.
For example, if your child struggles with communication, a speech therapist’s report explaining the difficulties and recommended support will strengthen your case.
EHC Needs Assessment Mistakes 2: Waiting Too Long to Apply
Delaying the application can cause unnecessary setbacks. Early intervention is crucial for children with special educational needs.
How to avoid this:
Start the application process as soon as you notice your child needs extra support.
Don’t wait for a diagnosis if you already see clear signs of difficulty.
Speak to your child’s school or health professionals early to gather advice and evidence.
Applying promptly means your child can access the right support sooner, improving their learning and well-being and avoiding EHC Needs Assessment Mistakes
EHC Needs Assessment Mistakes 3: Not Being Clear About Your Child’s Needs
Applications that lack clear, specific descriptions of your child’s needs can lead to confusion or rejection. Vague statements don’t help decision-makers understand the full picture.
How to avoid this:
Use clear language to describe how your child’s difficulties affect their daily life and learning.
Give examples of situations where your child struggles and what support helps.
Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless they come from professional reports.
For instance, instead of saying “my child has learning difficulties,” explain “my child finds it hard to follow instructions in class and needs one-to-one support to complete tasks.”
EHC Needs Assessment Mistakes 4: Not Following Up After Submission
After sending your application, some parents assume the process will run smoothly without their involvement. This can lead to missed deadlines or lack of communication.
How to avoid this:
Keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents.
Note down the date you submitted the application.
Contact the local authority if you don’t receive an acknowledgement within a couple of weeks.
Ask for updates regularly and keep records of all communications.
Staying proactive helps ensure your application is processed on time and any issues are addressed quickly.
Applying for an EHC needs assessment is a detailed process that requires careful attention. Avoiding these common mistakes can help your application succeed and ensure your child receives the support they deserve. Start early, gather strong evidence, be clear about your child’s needs, stay involved throughout the process, and think ahead about the support options.
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