You can download and make changes to our model letters to fit your situation. You should read the relevant section of our website about each topic first to ensure you understand how and when to use these letters. If you are making a complaint, make sure you follow the local authority or school’s complaints procedure, which might mean you have to enter the model wording into an online form.

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)

Asking the LA to seek advice and information in an EHC needs assessment (Model letter 20)

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 your 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)

 

Asking for alternative education

Asking the LA to provide alternative education for children who are out of school due to permanent exclusion (Model letter 22a)

Asking the LA to provide alternative education for children who are unable to attend school (Model letter 22b)

Asking the LA to provide alternative education for children who do not have a school place (Model letter 22c)

 

Making a complaint about educational provision

Complaining when the school is not using its best endeavours to secure special educational provision for a child with SEN (Model letter 21)

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

 

Making a complaint about LA failures following the conclusion of mediation

Complaining when the local authority fails to comply with statutory deadlines for action following the conclusion of mediation (Model letter 23)

 

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) 

 

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)