The assessment outcome

When do I find out the outcome?

If we feel that the child's needs can be met within their school, we may issue a Special Educational Needs Support (SEN) Plan instead.

If the assessment shows your child needs an Education, Health and Care Plan, we will create a draft and send you a copy within 16 weeks of the date the request for assessment was made. You have 15 days from the date of the letter to comment or ask for additional time to discuss it with us.

Contact the SEND Service:

• Phone: 0118 974 6216
• Email: sendehcassessments@wokingham.gov.uk
  
   

At this stage a parent or young person can express preference for an education setting. A final Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be issued within 20 weeks, including name of the education setting.

Education, Health and Care Plans

The Council for Disabled Children have created short animation films which help explain the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process and the person centred connection. 

What do I do if I'm unhappy with the outcome?

If you disagree with our decision not to carry out an assessment, our decision not to issue an education, health and care needs plan or some parts of the plan, you'll receive a letter explaining which parts of the plan you can appeal against. Go to the if you disagree with our decision web page find out what to do next.

I have concerns that the processes are not being met, who can I talk to for advice?

There are some circumstances where we may not be able to meet the 20 weeks time limit for the finalised Education, Health and Care Plan. The reasons could be:

• We require advice from the nursery, school or college the child or young person attends and it has been closed for a period longer than 4 weeks.
• During the assessment process, exceptional personal circumstances of the child, the child's parent, or the young person has affected the ability to fully complete the assessment.
• The child, child's parent or young person was away from the borough for a longer period than 4 weeks.

If none of the above reasons relate to your circumstances, please contact the SEND Service, and speak with your SEND Case Officer.

• Phone: 0118 974 6216
• Email: sendehcassessments@wokingham.gov.uk

If you are dissatisfied with this, you can make a complaint to the council. Go to our complaints and compliments web page for further details.

You can also speak to the  Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) for further guidance and support.

My child's school is not following the Education, Health and Care Plan

If you have concerns that the EHCP is not being followed, you can speak with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) who will be able to give you advice and guidance. To raise your concerns with the school, speak to your child's schools SENCO or the Head Teacher.

If you still feel the situation has not been resolved contact:

• SEN governor for a child at a maintained school by the local authority:    
• Local advisory board (Governing Body) or board of Trustees, or Secretary of State for Education for a child at an academy and free school.

Legal rights

For guidance on the rights of a child or young person with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their parents or carers, visit the following websites:

• Independent Provider of Special Educational Advice (IPSEA)
• Irwin Mitchell - has produced a series of useful factsheets and template letters.