What is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who need more support than a school or college can usually provide through SEN support. It sets out:
- Section B: the child’s special educational needs.
- Section F: the special educational provision they must receive. This is legally binding.
- Section I: the school or setting they will attend.
- Health and social care needs and provision, and the outcomes everyone is working towards.
Who can ask for an assessment?
The first step is an EHC needs assessment. In Oldham, as everywhere in England, these people can make a formal request to the local authority:
- A parent or carer with parental responsibility.
- A young person aged 16 to 25, for themselves.
- A school, college or other education setting, with the family’s involvement.
You do not need the school to agree, and you do not need a diagnosis. Other professionals, such as health visitors or social workers, can bring a child to the council’s attention.
The process in Oldham, step by step
Gather your evidence
Collect school reports, letters from professionals, attendance records and your own notes about what daily life is like. Write down what your child finds hard and what helps.
Make the request through the EHC Hub
Oldham Council takes requests online through the EHC Hub. Complete the sections you can; it is fine to leave some blank. If you cannot use the online form, Oldham SENDIASS can help on 0161 503 1540.
Watch for your invitation
You should receive an invitation to join the EHC Hub. If it has not arrived within five working days, check your junk folder, then email ehcinfo@oldham.gov.uk.
The decision to assess
The council must tell you within six weeks of the request whether it will carry out an assessment.
The assessment
The council gathers advice from education, health and social care, usually including an educational psychologist, along with your views and your child’s.
The draft plan
If the council decides to issue a plan, you receive a draft and have 15 days to comment and to ask for a particular school to be named.
The final plan
The final EHCP should be issued within 20 weeks of the original request. It is then reviewed at least every 12 months.
If the council says no
If the council decides not to assess, or not to issue a plan, it must explain why and tell you about your rights. You can ask for a meeting to discuss the decision, and you have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (SEND). Before most appeals you need to contact a mediation adviser. Oldham SENDIASS can talk you through your options.
Who can help in Oldham
Free, impartial and confidential advice for parents and carers.
Questions about EHC needs assessment requests.
Everything available for children and young people with SEND in Oldham.
EHCPs and LCE Academy
LCE Academy’s confirmed opening admission route is for young people with an EHCP, through local-authority consultation. Read how we deliver and review EHCPs, or contact us to talk through whether a consultation is appropriate.
Common questions
How much does an EHC needs assessment cost?
Nothing. Requesting an assessment and receiving an EHCP is free for families.
Do I need the school’s agreement to apply?
No. Parents and carers can make a request directly to the local authority. It helps if the school supports the request and shares evidence, but it is not required.
Can I ask for a specific school?
Yes. When you receive the draft plan you can ask for a particular school or setting to be named. The local authority must consult that school before deciding.
What if my child is already in a special school?
The EHCP is reviewed at least once every 12 months. The annual review is the time to raise any change in needs or placement.
Sources
- Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans (Oldham Council)
- Extra help: EHC plans (GOV.UK)
- SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years (Department for Education)
- Advice and support for parents: Oldham SENDIASS (Oldham Council)
This guide is general information for families, not legal advice. Last checked November 2026.
