EHCP draft due tomorrow with no parental input, is this normal?

[sunflowers93]

I’m still very new to this whole thing and looking for some advice on processes.

We are currently going through the process of getting an EHCP for my 4 year old. School started the process and have obtained all the reports they needed and applied - no issues on that end.

a while back I recieved an email from the LA with the EHC assessment form along with the parental advice form. to which I chose the option of wanting full parental involvement, as I was advised by others this was the best option.

because I chose this option I was advised I didn’t need to send back the parental advice form. There have been no meetings etc…

The 16 week draft date is tomorrow and I’ve had no input so far, so how is a draft created without any parental input so far?

I have no issues with the professional reports however they don’t create the full picture of my sons needs as they don’t see him at home.

is this normal? Does my input come next? Like I said very new to this and the LA aren’t exactly great communicators on how these processes work!

any help would be much appreciated!

During the EHCNA the LA should have sought advice and information from you.
This is often done via a form rather than a meeting with the LA. Unfortunately, it was poor advice not to return the form. Beyond that, and your discussions with other professionals the LA sought advice and information from, it is normal for drafts to be written without parental input.

If/when the draft is sent to you will get at least 15 days to make representations. However, sections such as section B&F are based on evidence rather than just your parental word, so amendments you propose will need to be based on the evidence. If you want a co-production meeting you can request one when (if!) you have/return the draft. It is still a possibility that the LA will refuse to issue. If they are going to issue they must finalise by week 20 and in order to do that they should send the draft by week 14.