Would it be unreasonable to ask school about an EHCP?

[Careerchange2025]

My daughter is going into year 3 in September. She is awaiting an assessment for ADHD, I believe she has inattentive ADHD. She is quiet, unassuming and not your typical disruptive ADHD child, although apparently distracts others in class. I have been informed she has interventions in place where she reads 1-1 once a day, I have read her SEND plan the school has put in place, which includes her using a fidget toy, when I have questioned her about this, she’s never even been given one.
When visiting her classroom this afternoon to look at her work, I noticed she has been placed with 6 other children who are at similar level, with one TA present at all times.
She is working 2 years 6 months below her expected level, and does not seem to be improving academically at all with what’s been put in place already.

Would it be unreasonable for me to speak to the school regarding an EHCP? I feel she is completely slipping through the net as she is compliant and quiet, but inside falling apart.

I would request a meeting with the SENCO. You can discuss DD’s needs, wider support and also mention an EHCP. You don’t need the school to request an EHCNA. You can do it yourself. On their website, IPSEA has a model letter you can use.

Thanks. They funnily enough pulled me this afternoon and have organised a meeting for next week, I’m hoping they will suggest the EHCP without me having to!

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the school to request one.

You have to be pretty assertive advocating for your child.

The legal criteria for assessment are simply that your child may have SEN and may need support through an EHCP. For the second half of that, basically you need to show the child may need support over and above what is normally available in school. Given her lack of progress, it sounds as if you will easily meet these criteria.

While the application will carry more weight with school support, I would be worried that leaving it to the school will delay things. This is not a great time of year for SENCOs, so they may not even think about starting this process before next term. If that is the case, it may well make more sense for you to get things started, but flag up that the school agrees.