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1.6 million children in UK schools have special educational needs. Four nations, four different systems, four different names for the plan that unlocks support. Here's how it all works.
Key facts
1.6M
UK children with identified SEN/ALN/ASN
90%+
Tribunal decisions in favour of parents
4
Different names for the statutory plan
0
Cross-border portability of any plan
Plans don’t cross borders
An EHCP from England has zero legal force in Scotland, Wales, or NI. You must apply for a new plan in the new nation. Start before you move.
You can request assessment yourself
You do not need the school’s permission. Parents have the same legal right to request an assessment as any professional.
Tribunals almost always side with parents
Over 90% of SEND Tribunal hearings are decided in favour of the parent. Don’t be afraid to appeal. It’s free and you can represent yourself.
Each UK nation has its own legislation, terminology, and processes for supporting children with additional needs.
The same concept has different names in different nations. This table maps them.
| Concept | England | Wales | Scotland | N. Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall term | SEN (Special Educational Needs) | ALN (Additional Learning Needs) | ASN (Additional Support Needs) | SEN (Special Educational Needs) |
| Statutory plan | EHCP | IDP | CSP | Statement |
| School-level support | SEN Support | School-maintained IDP | ASN support | Stage 1–3 support |
| Co-ordinator role | SENCo | ALNCo | ASN teacher / PT ASN | SENCo |
| Parent partnership | SENDIASS | SNAP Cymru | Enquire | SENDIASS NI |
| Tribunal | SEND Tribunal | Education Tribunal for Wales | ASN Tribunal for Scotland | SENDIST NI |
| Legislation | Children & Families Act 2014 | ALN Act 2018 | ASL Act 2004/2009 | Education Order 1996 |
The statutory 20-week timeline from request to final plan. Each step includes your rights and what to watch for.
Request an assessment
Who: You, the school, or a professional (GP, health visitor, etc.)
Write to the LA requesting an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. Include evidence of SEN and why current support isn’t enough.
Timeline: The LA has 6 weeks to decide whether to assess.
Tip: Put your request in writing (email is fine). Keep a copy. If the school won’t request, you can do it yourself — parents have the same right as schools.
LA decides whether to assess
Who: The LA’s SEN team
They review evidence and decide if an assessment is needed. If they refuse, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Timeline: Decision within 6 weeks of your request.
Tip: Around 15–20% of requests are refused at this stage. If refused, the LA must give reasons in writing. You have 2 months to appeal.
Assessment
Who: Educational psychologist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, paediatrician — as needed
Professionals assess your child and write reports. You contribute your own views (called the "parental advice"). Your child’s views are also sought.
Timeline: Assessments happen between weeks 6–16.
Tip: Your parental advice is a legal document. Be specific: describe daily struggles, what support works, what doesn’t. Include evidence (reports, photos, videos).
LA decides whether to issue a plan
Who: The LA’s SEN panel
Based on the assessment reports, they decide whether to issue an EHCP. If they refuse, you can appeal.
Timeline: Decision within 16 weeks of the original request.
Tip: Around 5–10% of assessments don’t result in a plan. Again, you can appeal. The tribunal overturns LA decisions in over 90% of cases that reach a hearing.
Draft plan issued
Who: LA SEN team
You receive a draft EHCP. You have 15 days to comment and request changes. This is when you name your preferred school.
Timeline: Draft issued within 16 weeks.
Tip: Read every section carefully. Check that the provision is specific and quantified (e.g., "2 hours per week of speech therapy" not "regular speech therapy"). Vague wording is unenforceable.
Final plan
Who: LA SEN team
The LA consults your preferred school, considers your comments, and issues the final EHCP. The named school must admit your child.
Timeline: Final plan within 20 weeks of original request.
Tip: If the LA names a different school, or the plan doesn’t include the provision you need, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Annual review
Who: School, with LA, parents, and professionals
The EHCP must be reviewed at least annually. The school organises the meeting. You can request amendments at any time.
Timeline: Every 12 months, plus at phase transfers (e.g., primary to secondary).
Tip: Attend every review. If the plan isn’t being delivered, raise it here. If the LA refuses to amend, you can appeal.
Track your EHCP journey step by step.
These rights are enshrined in law. Schools and LAs cannot override them, though some try.
Request an assessment
All nationsAny parent can request an EHC needs assessment. The school does not need to agree or refer first. Write directly to the LA.
Name your preferred school
All nationsYou have the right to name any state-funded school, academy, or (in some cases) independent or specialist placement. The LA must comply unless it would be unsuitable, incompatible, or inefficient.
Appeal to a tribunal
All nations (different tribunals)If the LA refuses to assess, refuses to issue a plan, or names a school you disagree with, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Tribunals overturn LA decisions in over 90% of contested cases.
Mediation first (if you choose)
EnglandBefore appealing, you must contact a mediation service (free). You can decline mediation after the initial call — it’s not compulsory to mediate, just to make contact.
Personal budgets
EnglandYou can request a personal budget to control how some of the provision in the EHCP is delivered. This gives you more flexibility over therapies, equipment, etc.
Choose mainstream or special
All nationsThe default is mainstream inclusion. But you can request a special school if that’s better for your child. The LA must consider your preference.
Access your child’s records
All nationsYou have the right to see all professional reports, assessments, and the LA’s internal documents about your child (subject to data protection).
IPSEA and advocacy support
England (SENDIASS), equivalents in other nationsFree helplines (IPSEA, SOS SEN, SENDIASS) offer legal advice, help with appeals, and can accompany you to meetings and tribunals.
Find schools that match your child's needs
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Free support organisations
IPSEA (England) — free legal advice and tribunal support. SENDIASS — every LA must provide a free information, advice, and support service. SOS SEN — volunteers who help with appeals. SNAP Cymru (Wales) — free advocacy and advice. Enquire (Scotland) — national advice service for ASN.
Sources
This guide draws on the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice 2015, the ALN Act (Wales) 2018, the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004, the Education (NI) Order 1996, SEND Tribunal annual reports, IPSEA guidance, and the Local Government Ombudsman annual review. This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex cases, consider seeking advice from IPSEA, Coram Children’s Legal Centre, your local SENDIASS, or a solicitor. Last reviewed April 2026.
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