5 Things to Know Before Contacting Your Local Authority About SEND
April 20265 min read
1. Put it in writing
A phone call is easy to forget. An email is not. Whenever you can, contact your local council in writing, by email or letter, and keep a copy. If you do speak on the phone, write a short note afterwards saying who you spoke to, when, and what was agreed, then email it to them to confirm. This simple habit protects you. Later on, a clear written trail is some of the strongest evidence you can have.
2. Know who your local authority is
Your local authority, often shortened to LA, is the council responsible for the area where your child lives. They handle assessments, plans and most SEND funding. If you are not sure which council that is, you can find it on the GOV.UK website by typing in your postcode. Sending your request to the right place from the start saves weeks of delay.
3. Be clear about what you are asking for
Councils deal with many requests, so be plain about yours. Are you asking for an assessment? More support in school? A meeting? Say it in the first line. A short, clear message such as I am writing to request an EHC needs assessment for my child works far better than a long story. You can add the detail underneath, but lead with the ask.
4. Gather a little evidence first
You do not need a thick folder. A few things help a lot: your child's name and date of birth, the name of their school, and a short list of the difficulties you see. School reports, letters from a doctor or therapist, and your own notes from home all count. Even a simple diary of good and hard days shows the real picture.
5. You have rights, and you are not alone
You have the right to ask for an assessment and the right to be listened to. There is free, independent help in every area through a service called SENDIASS, which gives confidential advice to families. You do not have to do this on your own. When you feel ready, the Smart Guide can help you write that first message in plain, confident words.
Ready to take the next step?
The Smart Guide walks you through it in plain words, at your own pace, with the right template ready when you need it.