EHCNAs - You can ignore LA forms!

How long is the EHCNA request form in your Local Authority (LA)?

As a SENCO myself working in schools where pupils belonged to several LAs, I saw them vary from 8-15 pages. Now working with schools and SENCOs nationwide, I have come across examples which are up to 20 pages in length (before you start filling them in)! I also see LAs insisting on SENCOs using these forms - but here is the important thing… you DO NOT have to use the forms. There is nothing in law that says you must use a set format / layout etc. and all you actually have to do is describe why the young person meets the legal criteria. This too is important and will be the subject of another blog post - there are legal crtieria for EHCNAs and these trump LA policies every time. More on that soon!

Back to those forms and ignoring them. Does it feel a bit uncomfortable to ignore them and do something different? Yes (at first) because you will have been essentially institutionalised to think they are required, either by your LA or from conversations with other SENCOs such as in network groups. Many people simply do not know there is an alternative way so it is not a criticism of you or anyone else if this is the case. You will hopefully feel more comfortable using it when you see how much it can save you in terms of time and workload AND ensure legal compliance at the same time!

So what do you do instead of the forms? I have a “Ten Minute Template” letter which completely replaces your LA forms. It is compliant with the legal EHCNA tests / criteria and literally should take you ten minutes or so to fill in. As SENCOs, you have enough to do without unnecessary paperwork and form filling. If you would like a copy of the letter, please email me [email protected]

I regularly run live webinars to provide training on using the letter (and what to do if your LA respond by asking you to use their forms) as well as further details about how you can use the law to support you with your EHCNA requests. Have a look at the Events page for details of upcoming sessions.

New for 2025, if you cannot make the live sessions, you can also access CPD on demand via the Course page.