Requesting a Special Education Assessment: UK and Ireland Routes
Choose the correct assessment route for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. These are separate systems, not one application process.
Prepared by Special Education Path Editorial Team. Use the linked regional guidance for local procedures.
Start with the jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | What to ask about | Detailed guide |
|---|---|---|
| England | EHC needs assessment through the local authority | Request an EHC needs assessment |
| Wales | A decision about ALN and whether an IDP is required | Ask the school to decide ALN |
| Scotland | Assessment of additional support needs; CSP assessment where relevant | Assessment of additional support needs |
| Northern Ireland | EA consideration of a statutory assessment | Request statutory assessment |
| Republic of Ireland | School support and assessment / identification routes; NCSE advice where appropriate | Assessment and identification in Ireland |
Prepare an evidence pack
Collect the child's views, current school plan, support reviews, dated examples of learning barriers, progress information and relevant professional reports. Identify the question that remains unanswered: access to learning, communication, sensory needs or another educational need. A diagnosis alone may not describe the provision required.
Ask in writing and keep the response
Name the local process you are requesting, describe the educational concerns and attach an indexed evidence list. Ask who is responsible for the decision and when to expect a response. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement. Use current official forms where required.
Do not mix the processes
England's EHC process, the Welsh ALN system and Scottish additional support framework have different tests and decision routes. Northern Ireland's Education Authority is separate from the Republic of Ireland's education system. Contacting a SENO does not create an EHCP application, and an Irish health Assessment of Need should not be confused with school support planning.
If you receive a refusal
Read the written reasons and any review or appeal information promptly. Follow the jurisdiction-specific guide; an informal discussion should not be assumed to extend a formal deadline. Ask what support will continue while the decision is disputed.