If your needs have changed significantly, an early review might be necessary. You can ask for an early review at any time if you have a good reason.  This might include:

• your needs have changed since the last EHCP was issued; or
  
  
• a different type of help or more help is needed to support progress; or
  
  
• there is a request for a different type of school or college; 
  
  
• a change to your health or social care needs/provision.

The review process will enable changes to be made to an EHCP so it remains relevant to your needs and the desired outcomes.

In the first instance speak with the SENCO or relevant class teacher/subject teacher/head teacher about your worries.

If you believe there is an urgent need to change your EHCP you should ask for a review to be arranged as soon as possible.

If you attend school or college you should speak to the SENCO or the person responsible for SEND. If you do not attend an educational setting speak to your SEND keyworker. 

SEND Code of Practice paras 9.186-9.192

There may be occasions when a re-assessment becomes appropriate, particularly where needs change significantly. 

Anyone acting on behalf of a school or post-16 institution is able to write and ask the Local Authority to carry out a re-assessment. Parents and carers or young people can also request this directly to the Local Authority in writing.

However, a Local Authority can refuse a request for a re-assessment if:

• It has carried out an assessment or reassessment within the period of 6 months prior to the request; 
  
  Or
  
  
• It is not necessary for the Authority to make a further assessment.
  
  CFA 2014 s44(2) and (3) and SEND Regs reg 24

The Local Authority may also secure a reassessment at any other time if it thinks necessary.

CFA 2014 s44(3)

Outside of the annual review process

Anyone acting on behalf of a school or post-16 institution is able to write and ask the Local Authority to carry out a re-assessment. Parents and carers or young people can also request this directly to the Local Authority.  Please contact in writing your District Family Practitioner Lead/Key worker.

Through the annual review process

A request for a re-assessment can be made through the Annual Review process.  It can be the recommendation of the review that is being completed and submitted through to the Local Authority.

SEND Code of Practice paras 9.191- 9.192

You will be notified of the decision whether or not it is necessary to proceed with the request to reassess within 15 days of receiving the request to re-assess.

If the Local Authority agrees to re-assess then it must carry out a full EHC needs assessment, including obtaining all the information and advice required.

Where the Local Authority determines it is not necessary to reassess the child or young persons it must notify the child’s parent or young person of their appeal rights.

Re-assessments follow the same process as for the first EHC needs assessment, with the same timescales and rights of appeal.