EHCPs in Norfolk: What Parents Wish They’d Known

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If you’re a Norfolk parent staring at the letters E-H-C-P and wondering if they’re the latest Wi-Fi code, you’re not alone. The process can feel overwhelming at first — even for those of us who like detail and structure. But once you know what each step really means, it becomes a lot more manageable.

The goal here isn’t to fix children or families; it’s to build the right conditions for every young person to thrive. So let’s walk through this with kindness, clarity, and as little jargon as possible — because every parent deserves to feel confident navigating the EHCP journey.

What an EHCP actually is (and isn’t)

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people up to 25 who need more support than SEN Support can provide. It sets out needs and the provision required to meet them across education, health and social care. That’s straight from national guidance and Norfolk’s own explanations.

Key idea: the plan is about specified, quantified provision—who does what, how often, and where—not just good intentions.

The Norfolk timeline (20 weeks… in theory)

By law, from the date the LA receives a request for an EHC needs assessment to issuing a plan should be no longer than 20 weeks (there are limited exemptions). Norfolk’s Local Offer spells out the stages and reminds families about those exceptions. Recent national stats show timeliness has been a challenge across England (not just here).

Why this matters: Knowing the week-by-week beats helps you chase politely and on time.

The legal test to get assessed (it’s lower than many think)

Families sometimes wait to gather “perfect evidence.” You don’t need perfect; you need to meet the legal test for an EHC needs assessment:

The LA must assess where the child/young person has or may have SEN and may need provision via an EHCP.
(Section 36(8) Children and Families Act 2014; echoed in the Code of Practice).

That “may have / may need” wording is important. If you’re on the fence—apply.

Step-by-step: How to request an EHC needs assessment (Norfolk)

  1. Send the request in writing (email or letter). You do not have to use a particular form—law doesn’t allow LAs to insist on a format. Keep it clear; include needs, what’s been tried, and current impact.
  2. Mark the date received by the LA—your 20-week clock depends on it.
  3. Expect a decision by week 6 on whether the LA will assess. If they refuse, you’ll get reasons and information about mediation/appeal.
  4. During assessment, professionals gather evidence. If the LA agrees to issue a plan, you’ll receive a draft EHCP to comment on (check Section F—provision must be specific and quantified).
  5. Final plan should be issued by week 20 (unless an exemption applies). Track each stage.

Local support: Norfolk SENDIASS has clear booklets, timelines, and practical guides families find genuinely useful. Save their pages.

Norfolk Extras You Should Know

1) Who can help—locally, right now

  • Norfolk SENDIASS (impartial advice, templates, timelines).
  • Norfolk Local Offer pages on assessment, plans, mediation & tribunals, plus inspection updates (handy for context).

2) Moving into (or out of) Norfolk with an EHCP

There’s specific guidance on what to do and who to contact if you’re relocating—use it early to avoid gaps.

3) If things go wrong (refusals, delays, or content disputes)

You can access mediation (free, independent) and it doesn’t remove your right to appeal. Norfolk’s page explains the routes, and SENDIASS has practical “how to complete tribunal forms” guides.

Evidence-informed tips for a stronger application (and a calmer journey)

I like data (maths brain), but I also like kindness. Here’s both.

Tip 1 — Keep an “impact journal.”
Short, dated notes: what happened, where, support used, and result. This creates a pattern the LA and school can recognise. It echoes the ABC idea—what came before, the behaviour/need, what happened after—without turning home into a lab. (That ABC thinking is standard in behaviour analysis and PBS practice.)

Tip 2 — Ask for specificity in Section F.
Provision should be specified and quantified (e.g., “30 minutes, 3x weekly, delivered by [role],” not “access to support”). The SEND Code of Practice underpins this expectation, and Norfolk’s SENDIASS materials reinforce it practically.

Tip 3 — Track the legal timeline.
If you’re near a deadline, send a short, polite email citing the 20-week duty and asking for an update. National statistics show timeliness is under pressure—polite persistence helps.

Tip 4 — Build the “why now?” case.
Frame your request around unmet need despite SEN Support (what school has tried) and functional impact (learning, access, safety, wellbeing). IPSEA’s guidance mirrors the legal test—use their language.

Tip 5 — Prepare for placement discussions early.
When you view options, bring the draft Section F and ask, “Can this provision be delivered here as written?” If you’re moving areas, check the DfE guidance on how EHCPs transfer so provision doesn’t fall through gaps.

What parents often worry about (and what helps)

“Will this take forever?”
It shouldn’t—20 weeks is the law (limited exemptions). Keep dates, nudge kindly, and lean on SENDIASS.

“Do I need a diagnosis first?”
No. The legal test is about SEN and provision, not labels. Diagnosis can help but isn’t required to trigger assessment.

“Do I have to use the council’s form?”
No. Councils can’t insist on a specific format for requests. Clear written requests are fine.

“What if the draft plan is vague?”
Send written comments asking for specificity and quantification; reference the Code of Practice.

“What if I disagree with the decision?”
You can pursue mediation (free, independent) and/or appeal to the SEND Tribunal after contacting a mediation adviser. Norfolk and SENDIASS have step-by-step pages.

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A quick, kind checklist (save this bit)

I’ve requested an EHC needs assessment in writing and dated it.

I’ve kept an impact journal (short notes that show patterns).

I know the decision by week 6 and final by week 20 milestones.

I’ve read a SENDIASS Norfolk guide that matches my stage.

My comments on the draft plan ask for specified, quantified provision.

I know where to find mediation and appeal information if needed.

Final word (from a quiet person who likes clear steps)

I’m currently completing an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Bangor University, and one idea keeps me grounded: kindness works best when it’s practical. EHCPs aren’t just about paperwork — they’re about making sure the right support is in place, in the right way, for each individual child or young person.

The process can feel heavy at times, but every small step you take makes a real difference. Keep notes, stay curious, and reach out when you need to. Progress in this world often happens quietly — through persistence, compassion, and shared understanding.

Useful Norfolk links (to keep handy)

  • EHC needs assessment & plan timeline (Norfolk) — process overview and exemptions. Norfolk County Council
  • Norfolk SENDIASS: Overview of EHCPs — plain-English guides and booklets. norfolksendiass.org.uk
  • Timeframe for an EHCP — week-by-week explanation. norfolksendiass.org.uk
  • Mediation and tribunals (Norfolk) — routes when you disagree. Norfolk County Council
  • SEND Code of Practice (0–25) — national guidance, updated 2024. GOV.UK
  • IPSEA: Asking for an EHC needs assessment — the legal test, templates, and FAQs. ipsea.org.uk
  • Moving areas with an EHCP — DfE guidance on transferring plans. GOV.UK
  • National statistics on EHCPs (2025) — context for timelines and demand. Explore Education Statistics