For parents in England whose local authority has missed the 20-week statutory deadline to issue a final Education, Health and Care Plan.
When this letter applies
The request for an EHC needs assessment was made more than 20 weeks ago and the local authority has still not issued a final EHCP. It is not a request for assessment and not an appeal about the contents of a plan.
Legislation cited
Children and Families Act 2014, Part 3
Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, regulation 13(2) (20-week time limit, subject to the statutory exceptions)
What the letter contains
The statutory duty or timetable the letter identifies as relevant to the circumstances provided
A dated timeline of the case, built from the parent's own circumstances
A clear request for the authority to confirm when the final plan will be issued
The escalation route if it does not: Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, or the First-tier Tribunal (SEND) where a plan is appealable
What usually happens after you send it
A written complaint records the delay, the statutory time limit relied on and the remedy requested. If the authority still does not act, that correspondence can form part of the evidence for the appropriate complaint, Ombudsman or legal route.