Get information and support Free legal guides and template letters EHC plans, EHC needs assessments and appeals EHC needs assessments EHC needs assessment and plans FAQs Can a child who is below compulsory school age have an EHC needs assessment? Yes: the legal rights and duties set out in Part 3 of the Children and Families Act (CFA) 2014 apply to children and young people aged from 0-25 who have, or may have, special educational needs (SEN), so this includes under 5s / preschool / nursery children. We have a definition of compulsory school age on our website. Manage Cookie Preferences