Any examples of EHCP application letters?

[AnnikaHansen]

DS2's nursery are massively backed up and have asked me if I will apply for the EHCP myself. They are supportive and have provided paperwork, but I am finding it difficult as I understand it is different from simply saying "we'd like to ask for an EHCP assessment" and sending them the paperwork.

I have about a billion reasons why I think DS needs one, but not really sure if they want a 10-page opus either. Hoping someone can help me with structure or point me in the direction of a template.

Thanks!

[knittingwithnettles]

If you make an appointment with a Parent Partnership advisor (every LA has one) they will guide you through the paperwork side.

Or IPSEA has templates.

I made my parental application through Parent Partnership. They are used to dictating letters or scribing for some applicants even. I ended up writing the letter myself, but I felt at least I knew what I was supposed to be doing)

The Local Offer may also give you guidance (although I have to say I found ours inpenetrable)

[MaterofDragons]

I have an overwhelming urge to write Seven of Nine anyway...
Second IPSEA, they have a good template on their website. Also have a look at SOS! SEN website. I got someone from my local Contact a Family to look over my letter.

[AnnikaHansen]

Angst is right. Been through it all when it was a statement for DS1, though we had a horrible, unhelpful school who just wanted to ram 5yr old DS in the PRU and have done with it. Doing it again with DS2 is bringing that all up again. Struggling not to have it take over my every waking thought!

Had a look at the IPSEA template and it seems really formal, lots of law citations etc. I think if I use that, it will be really obvious that I've used a template! Not that that probably matters, probably waaaay overthinking!

[knittingwithnettles]

I think it is good to do it quite formally, because then they know not to lose the paperwork or delay on the basis that you might not know what the law is.

Having said all that, they will probably turn you down first time around... whatever letter you write. We had to go to Appeal, which they conceded quite quickly before Tribunal.

[AugustaFinkNottle]

Have a look at the local offer on your council's website. It will probably have a form to fill in to request assessment. By law you don't have to use it, but it doesn't hurt to do so if it keeps council bureaucrats happy. However, if it demands copy reports etc, don't worry if you haven't got them, just carry on anyway - it's their job to get information from the school, and if you have other reports you can always send them a little later.

[AugustaFinkNottle]

I think the IPSEA template is over-formal, to be honest. I would go either for the form on the council's website or use the SOS SEN one as a basis.

[MaterofDragons]

Seven of Nine is the Borg name of the character Annika Hansen in Star Trek Deep Space 9...sorry I'll get my coat

[MaterofDragons]

Oh I with you there. My DT2 has not slept this week and it's been horrific. No chats, just lots of whining and crying.
I have been completely unfocussed and found myself thinking strange things how does my neck support my head, its so big and heavy, why doesn't it snap off every time I hit the brake too hard

[AnnikaHansen]

Seven of Nine was mentioned because of my user name :D

Thanks everyone for the help. I think I will use IPSEA's template then. Was thinking of dividing DS's needs into categories like social communication, communication, developmental etc. Might help me organise my thoughts better and will serve as a parental report of sorts!