SEN school admissions in the UK: the step-by-step guide (with and without an EHCP)
SEN School Admissions in the UK: A Calm, Step-by-Step Guide
EHCPs, Timelines, and What to Do While You Wait
If You're Overwhelmed, You're Not Alone
Navigating SEN school admissions can feel confusing, slow, and exhausting — especially when your child is struggling right now and you need answers.
This guide is written to help you understand the process clearly, without jargon, so you can take one step at a time.
Whether you're just starting to ask questions or already deep in the EHCP process, this page is designed to give you clarity, practical steps, and reassurance.
Please note: This is general information, not legal advice. For specific guidance, contact your local SENDIASS or seek independent legal support.
Quick Definitions
Before we go further, here are the key terms you'll see throughout this guide:
Key Terms Explained
Two Routes into Support: With and Without an EHCP
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must have an EHCP before any support can begin. That's not always the case.
SEN Support in Mainstream
Schools have a legal duty to use "best endeavours" to support children with SEN. This can include adapted teaching, visual supports, sensory adjustments, and SENCO involvement — without needing an EHCP.
Specialist Placements (EHCP Required)
Special schools, SEN units, and resourced provisions typically require an EHCP naming the placement (Section I). The Local Authority manages this process after an EHC needs assessment.
Key point: Support can and should start while you're waiting for an EHCP. Don't wait for paperwork before asking school for help.
The EHCP Timeline Explained
The statutory timeframe for the EHCP process is 20 weeks from request to final plan. Here's what happens at each stage:
Request & Decision
You (or school) request an EHC needs assessment. The Local Authority has 6 weeks to decide whether to assess. They'll look at whether your child's needs may require an EHCP.
Evidence Gathering
Professionals contribute reports and advice: educational psychology, speech and language, health, school observations, and parental views. You can (and should) submit your own evidence.
Panel Decision
The LA's panel reviews all evidence and decides whether to issue an EHCP. If yes, they'll send a draft plan. If no, you can appeal.
Draft Plan & Consultations
You receive a draft EHCP. You can request changes and express a school preference. The LA consults with schools and finalises Section I (named school).
Why Delays Happen (And What to Expect in 2025)
The 20-week timeline is statutory, not guidance — but it's frequently missed. In 2024, only 46.4% of new EHC plans were issued within the legal timeframe.
Common Reasons for Delays
- High demand: Rising numbers of EHCP requests and limited specialist places
- Professional backlogs: Educational psychologists, health services, and panels can be overstretched
- Incomplete evidence: Missing reports can stall the process
- Placement consultations: Schools may take time to respond
What You Can Do If Deadlines Slip
- Keep a timeline of all communications (dates, who you spoke to, what was agreed)
- Send polite follow-up emails asking for updates — keep it in writing
- Contact your local SENDIASS (free, impartial advice service)
- If deadlines are significantly missed, you can make a formal complaint or contact the Local Government Ombudsman
Choosing a Setting: What "Right Provision" Can Look Like
There's no single "right" type of school — what matters is whether the setting can meet your child's needs.
Special Schools
Specifically designed for pupils with SEND. Smaller classes, specialist staff, adapted environments.
SEN Units / Resourced Provisions
Specialist support within a mainstream school. Pupils may split time between the unit and mainstream classes.
Alternative Provision
For pupils who can't attend mainstream — often used for SEMH needs or school refusal. Varied models exist.
What to Look For When Visiting
School Consultation: What It Is and Why It Matters
When you name a preferred school in Section I of the EHCP, the Local Authority must consult with that school. The school then has 15 days to respond.
What Schools Consider
- Whether they can meet the child's needs as specified in Sections B and F
- Whether the placement would be incompatible with the efficient education of other children
- Whether it would be an inefficient use of resources
Common Misunderstandings
"The school said they're full" — Being "full" is not, by itself, a lawful reason to refuse. Schools must demonstrate that one of the specific legal tests applies. If you disagree with a refusal, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
While You're Waiting: Practical Support Steps
The wait for an EHCP can feel agonising — especially if your child is struggling right now. Here's what you can do in the meantime:
Attendance and School Refusal
If your child is refusing school, prioritise stability and regulation first, learning second. Work with school to explore:
- Reduced timetables (with proper documentation)
- Alternative arrival/departure times
- A trusted adult as a key contact
- Calm spaces within the building
Building a Simple Evidence Pack
You don't need clinical language to describe your child's needs. Focus on daily impact:
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Keep a simple diary
Note patterns: sleep, mornings, school responses, evenings, weekends. What helps? What makes things harder?
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Gather school communications
Emails, meeting notes, SENCO reports, any interventions tried (what worked, what didn't).
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Collect professional reports
GP letters, CAMHS notes, any assessments — even if informal or private.
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Write your parental views
Your observations matter. Describe what you see, what you've tried, what your child needs to feel safe.
If You Disagree with the Decision
You have the right to appeal to the SEND First-tier Tribunal if you disagree with certain decisions. Here's what you can challenge:
Section I (Placement)
If the LA refuses to name your preferred school, or names a school you disagree with, you can appeal the placement decision.
Sections B & F (Needs & Provision)
If you believe the plan doesn't accurately describe your child's needs (Section B) or the support required (Section F), you can challenge these too.
The SEND Tribunal is free to apply to. You don't need a solicitor, though many families find independent support helpful. Your local SENDIASS or organisations like IPSEA can provide guidance.
How Changing Lives SEN Supports Families
At Changing Lives, we understand that families often reach us after a long and difficult journey. We're here to help — without pressure, and without over-promising.
🐴 Our Approach
We provide specialist education for young people aged 11–18 who have found traditional education difficult — often due to anxiety, trauma, neurodivergence, or unmet SEMH needs.
Relationship-Based
Small groups, consistent staff, trust before learning
Animal-Assisted
Horses, dogs, small animals — used safely within robust planning
Safeguarding First
Trauma-informed practice, clear policies — view our safeguarding approach
We work closely with families, schools, and Local Authorities to ensure support is appropriate, realistic, and regularly reviewed. We don't promise outcomes — we promise care, understanding, and partnership.
Gentle Next Steps
If You're a Parent
- Talk to your child's school/SENCO this week
- Start keeping a simple diary of daily patterns
- Contact your local SENDIASS for free advice
- Visit schools if you're exploring specialist options
If You're a School or LA Professional
- Share relevant reports and evidence clearly
- Be specific about what support has been tried
- Describe impact in plain language
- Include clear EHCP sections B and F needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SEN school admissions and EHCPs.
In most cases, yes. Special schools, SEN units, and resourced provisions typically require an EHCP to name them in Section I. However, some alternative provision placements may be arranged differently — always check with the specific setting and your Local Authority.
SEN Support is help provided by the school using their own resources, without a legal plan. An EHCP is a legal document issued by the Local Authority that sets out a child's needs and the specific provision required. SEN Support can happen immediately; an EHCP requires an assessment process.
The legal timeframe is 20 weeks from request to final plan. However, in 2024 only 46.4% of plans were issued within this timeframe. Many families experience delays of several months. Keep records, follow up in writing, and contact SENDIASS if you need support.
School refusal is often a sign that a child is overwhelmed. Prioritise regulation and safety over attendance initially. Work with school on adjustments (reduced timetable, alternative entry times, key adult). Keep a diary of patterns and seek support from SENDIASS or your GP if needed.
Focus on daily impact: a simple diary of patterns, school communications, professional reports (GP, CAMHS, private assessments), and your own parental views. You don't need medical language — describe what you see, what's been tried, and what your child needs to feel safe and learn.
Yes. When you receive the draft EHCP, you can express a preference for a school to be named in Section I. The LA must consult with that school and can only refuse to name it if specific legal tests apply (not just "it's full"). You can appeal to Tribunal if you disagree with the decision.
You have the right to appeal to the SEND First-tier Tribunal. This is free. You can also ask the LA for their reasons in writing and gather additional evidence. Your local SENDIASS can help you understand your options and support you through the process.
The SEND First-tier Tribunal is an independent body that hears appeals about EHCP decisions. Yes, it's completely free to apply. You don't need a solicitor, though many families find support helpful. IPSEA and SENDIASS can provide guidance on the process.
Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils. This can include changes to policies, procedures, physical environment, or how teaching is delivered — to prevent disadvantage. What's "reasonable" depends on the specific situation and resources available.
Yes. EHCPs must be reviewed annually (the Annual Review). If needs change significantly, you can request an early review or ask for amendments. The LA can also amend the plan if they believe changes are needed. Any substantial changes should be discussed with parents and (where appropriate) the young person.
Questions About SEN Admissions?
If you'd like to talk, ask questions, or explore whether Changing Lives might be right for your child, our team is here. No pressure, just honest conversations.
