Ehcp request

[Lauder123]

Hello - I am preparing a request letter for an EHC assessment using the IPSEA template letter. I see on Hertfordshire website that they have a separate form that should be filled in. IPSEA have suggested that I do not need to fill this in too and the letter will suffice. Does anyone have any experience of this - am I just going to get a response telling me to fill in their form and if I do get this response do I have to fill in their form?

[Ineedmorepatience]

Yeah, the next LA to me has one of those forms too.

I recently helped someone do a parental request and we filled it in anyway. It wasnt massively difficult because we already had the info that they wanted.

I know IPSEA would disagree and the SENCOP does say a letter is all thats required but sometimes [just occasionally] I think its worth jumping through the LA's hoops just to smooth your journey.

They will probably send you the form anyway if you dont fill it in so you could just pre empt that and do it for them.

Good luck

[FrayedHem]

I would complete all the tick box parts of the LA form and attach the letter in place of detailing your child's needs/difficulties and write "see attached" where relevant. A faff, but it should stop it being returned and you get to present the important information in the format that better suits you to.

[amunt]

Just an aside; Hertfordshire having a shocking reputation for their EHCPs - generally not putting the child first. I say this not to be negative, but so that you are alert to any attempts to water down recommendations or provision, e.g. 1:1 support.

[WouldHave]

I agree with Ineed. In legal terms, a letter is enough, but they're going to come back and ask for that information anyway so why not just supply it. If there's anything in the form that you can't complete (e.g. what support he has had in school) put something like "Not known" or "Please obtain this information from X School".

I also agree about Herts EHCPs. If or when you get one, get SOS SEN to check it.

[Lauder123]

Thanks - will do that. Would you send the EP report too or keep that back for now. I do have one so perhaps I should send it with the request.

[user1475698402]

Hi Lauder

I am going through the same process, different County, albeit I hear still shocking. I ended up instructing a solicitor to assist me, my DS has been failed so badly by the Ed system and LEA that I didn't want to risk me not putting down trigger words to spark the Assessment. I am not in a financial position to be paying out solicitor fees and it is a terrible state to be in to think you need one for your child's Education, but I must say after reading the solicitors letter I am so glad I have. I am by no means saying this is what you should do, I am just letting you know of another option. If you want any more information from me then just PM me. Good luck with it all, we are going to need it.

[WouldHave]

Lauder, I think if you've got an EP report you should probably send it.

[Ineedmorepatience]

I would just send copies of everything you have. Any IEP's or other target reviews, any exclusion letters, any evidence of needs not being met, any evidence of poor progress.

Good luck

[Lauder123]

Hi User1475698402

Do you a details of the solicitor that you used - I might speak to someone before I send the request as want to get it right.

Thanks

[youarenotkiddingme]

Look at what section 6.63 of sendcop says.

I used that as to why I was applying. It basically states when you should apply and I evidenced what had been done and where ds hadn't made progress as my reasons as per the quote.

Also IPSea has great information

[user1475698402]

Hi Lauder I have sent you a PM