You can download and amend our model letters to use for your own purposes. You should read the relevant section of the site about each topic first to ensure you understand how and when to use these letters.

Coronavirus update:

There were some temporary changes to the law as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. You can find out more in IPSEA's FAQs about how the pandemic affects SEN provision.

As a result of the changes in the law, from 1 May to 24 September, deadlines referred to in the model letters below were temporarily relaxed. LAs could only rely on the relaxation when, in a particular case, it was not reasonably practicable for the LA to meet the deadline for a reason relating to the incidence of transmission of coronavirus. LAs were still required to comply as soon as reasonably practicable and minimise delay. Please note this did not apply if the deadline the LA missed was before 1 May 2020 and does not apply if the deadline fell on or after 25 September 2020.

EHC needs assessments

To request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (Model letter 1)

To request a re-assessment (Model letter 2)

Complaining when the LA does not respond to a request for an EHC needs assessment within the 6 week time limit (Model letter 9)

Complaining when an EHC needs assessment is not being carried out properly (Model letter 7)

Complaining when the LA has not issued the draft or final EHC Plan following assessment (Model letter 10)

 

Amending EHC plans

To respond to the draft EHC plan sent by the LA (Model letter 3)

Complaining when the LA will not consider the school or college you want named in your EHC plan (Model letter 14)

Objecting to the amendments the LA is proposing to an existing EHC plan (Model letter 4)

Complaining when the local authority does not send out the final amended EHC plan in time (Model letter 15)

 

Annual reviews

Asking for an early review of an EHC plan (Model letter 5)

Complaining when the LA has not completed the annual review of an EHC plan (Model letter 8)

Complaining when the LA has not completed the annual review in time for a transfer from one phase of education to another (Model letter 12)

 

Making a complaint about educational provision

Complaining when the special educational provision in the EHC plan is not being made (Model letter 6)

 

Making a complaint about LA failures following conclusion of an appeal

Complaining when the local authority fails to comply with the statutory deadlines for action following the conclusion of an appeal (Model letter 16) 

 

Transition from Statements to EHC plans

Complaining when the LA has not started transition from a Statement to an EHC plan, or has not issued the final EHC Plan following transition (Model letter 11)

 

Asking for help in exams

Asking for help in exams (Model letter 13)

 

Asking the school and LA for information

Asking the LA for information about what is available in its area and its delegated funding: Model letter 17  

Asking for a copy of a child’s school record: Model letter 18  

Asking a nursery, school or college for information on pupils with SEN and what is available for them: Model letter 19