The UK SEN system operates in stages. Each stage has specific rights, timescales, and processes. Understanding where your child is in the framework is the starting point for everything else.
Stage 1: Quality First Teaching — differentiation within mainstream class. Stage 2: SEN Support — additional interventions, a Learning Support Plan, SENCO involvement. Stage 3: EHCP Needs Assessment — formal statutory assessment. Stage 4: EHCP — a legal document binding the local authority to provide named provision.
A school has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for children with SEN whether or not they have an EHCP. An EHCP provides legal protection and named provision. You do not need a diagnosis to request SEN support — need is the criterion, not diagnosis.
The first conversation is often the hardest. Being clear, calm, and specific gets better results than being confrontational.
If SEN support is not enough, you can request a statutory EHC needs assessment. This is a right, not a favour — the local authority must consider your request within 6 weeks.
A parent or carer can request an EHC needs assessment directly from their local authority. You do not need the school's permission, though their involvement helps. Young people over 16 can request for themselves.
The local authority must respond within 6 weeks saying whether they will assess. If they refuse, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. If they agree, the full assessment must be completed within 20 weeks.
EOTAS (Education Other Than At School) is provision for children who cannot attend mainstream school. It is funded and arranged by the local authority.
School refusal due to mental health, medical needs preventing attendance, permanent exclusion with no school place, or a breakdown of a specialist placement. EOTAS is not a choice — it is a statutory duty when the LA cannot secure a suitable school place.
Home tuition, online tuition, hospital school, AP providers, or any combination. The provision must be suitable for the child's age, ability, and special educational needs. It should add up to a full-time education equivalent.
If your child has an EHCP: request a review and ask for EOTAS provision to be named in the plan. If they do not have an EHCP: write to the LA's SEN team. If the LA delays: EOTAS is a statutory duty — document everything and seek advice from IPSEA or SOS!SEN.
Many students with SEN are entitled to exam accommodations that make a significant difference to outcomes. Missing the application deadline means losing the accommodation.
25% additional time (standard). 50% in cases of significant need. Requires evidence from an educational psychologist or specialist teacher. Must be the child's normal way of working.
Someone reads questions aloud. Essential for students with significant reading difficulties. Requires evidence. The reader cannot explain or interpret — only read.
Someone writes the student's dictated answers. For students with significant writing difficulties. Requires evidence. Standard spelling and punctuation rules are applied.
Supervised rest breaks during the exam. Particularly helpful for students with fatigue conditions, anxiety, or concentration difficulties. The clock stops during breaks.
Exam access arrangement applications are submitted by the school through JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications). The deadline is typically in Year 11 spring term. Ask your SENCO in September of Year 11 what arrangements are in place and when the deadline is.
Miss ICT provides EOTAS and commissioned provision for learners who cannot access mainstream computing education. EHCP-aligned, trauma-informed, and available across England.
No. The law is clear: need is the criterion, not diagnosis. A child with significant unmet educational needs can be assessed for an EHCP regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis.
Yes. Parents can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the LA without the school's agreement. The school's view will be sought during the assessment, but it does not determine whether an assessment takes place.
The First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) hears appeals against LA decisions about EHCPs. It is free to use. IPSEA (ipsea.org.uk) and SOS!SEN (sossen.org.uk) provide free guidance.