EHCP Evidence Gathering: What Really Matters for Your Child’s Plan?

When you’re seeking an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for your child, the quality and relevance of your evidence can make all the difference. Many families worry about what to include, how to fill gaps, and whether their own voice will be heard. Here’s a practical guide to gathering, organising, and presenting the evidence that really counts—so you can give your child the best chance of getting the support they need.

The Most Persuasive Types of Evidence

Not all evidence carries the same weight. The most persuasive evidence is:

• Recent professional reports: These might come from educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or paediatricians. Reports should be as up-to-date as possible and clearly describe your child’s needs, the impact on their learning and daily life, and the specific support required.

• Detailed parental input: Your observations are invaluable. Keep a diary of your child’s challenges and strengths at home, examples of what works (and what doesn’t), and how their needs affect family life. Be specific—describe incidents, patterns, and the impact on your child’s wellbeing.

• The child’s voice: The law requires that your child’s views, wishes, and aspirations are included. This could be written statements, drawings, or even video clips. If your child struggles to communicate, describe how they express themselves and what makes them happy or anxious.

How to Fill Gaps if the Local Authority’s Assessment Is Incomplete or Outdated

It’s common for local authority assessments to be brief, generic, or based on old information. If you spot gaps:

• Request updated assessments from the local authority, explaining why the current evidence is insufficient.

• Gather your own evidence—ask school staff for recent records, or request input from professionals who know your child well.

• If a particular need (such as sensory processing or mental health) hasn’t been assessed, highlight this in your request and explain the impact on your child’s daily life.

Don’t be afraid to point out where the local authority’s evidence falls short. The EHCP must reflect your child’s current needs, not just what’s convenient for the system.

The Value of Independent Assessments: When and How to Obtain Them

Independent assessments can be a game-changer, especially if you disagree with the local authority’s findings or if their reports are vague. These are assessments you commission yourself, usually from a private educational psychologist, speech and language therapist, or occupational therapist.

• Consider an independent assessment if the local authority refuses to assess a particular need, or if their report doesn’t reflect your child’s real challenges.

• Choose a professional with experience in EHCPs and ask them to be specific about needs, provision, and outcomes.

• While independent assessments can be costly, they often provide the detailed, objective evidence that tips the balance in your favour.

Ensuring the Child’s Views and Aspirations Are Included and Given Weight

Your child’s voice is not a box-ticking exercise—it’s a legal requirement. Their views should be recorded in Section A of the EHCP and reflected throughout the plan. Encourage your child to share their thoughts in whatever way works for them: talking, drawing, or using photos. If your child is non-verbal or struggles to express themselves, describe their preferences, triggers, and what helps them feel safe and happy.

If the local authority overlooks your child’s views, ask for this to be corrected. Their aspirations—whether it’s making friends, joining a club, or learning to travel independently—should shape the support they receive.

Organising and Presenting Evidence for Maximum Impact

A well-organised evidence bundle makes your case clearer and more persuasive. Here’s how to do it:

• Sort evidence by type: professional reports, school records, parental input, and the child’s voice.

• Use a contents page and number each document.

• Highlight key points in each report—use sticky notes or a summary sheet.

• Cross-reference evidence to the needs and provision you’re requesting. For example, if you’re asking for speech therapy, point to the specific recommendations in the therapist’s report.

When you submit your evidence, include a covering letter summarising the main points and explaining why each piece is relevant. This helps the local authority (and, if needed, the Tribunal) see the full picture.

Final Thoughts

Gathering strong evidence is the foundation of a successful EHCP application or appeal. By being thorough, organised, and persistent, you can ensure your child’s needs are properly understood and supported. Your voice—and your child’s—matters every step of the way.

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Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Outcomes can vary based on your personal circumstances.