Refusal to issue a plan
Also called Decision not to issue an education, health and care plan. That is the name used in diagnostic manuals and on most official paperwork.
Sometimes the local authority assesses a child and then decides not to write an EHC plan. You can appeal that too.
Applies in England
This is the decision that can come at the end of an EHC needs assessment EHC needs assessment The process, in England, where the local authority looks in detail at your child's needs and decides whether to write an EHCP. You can ask for one yourself. Read the full definition of EHC needs assessment : the authority has gathered the evidence, and concludes that a plan is not needed. You may hear it described as assessed but no plan.
GOV.UK confirms you can appeal Appeal A formal challenge to the SEND Tribunal about a council's EHC decision. It is free to bring, and you do not need a lawyer. Read the full definition of Appeal if the local authority refuses to create an EHC plan after carrying out an assessment or reassessment. The appeal goes to the SEND Tribunal.
The assessment itself still produced reports from the people who looked at your child's needs. Ask for copies of them: whatever happens with an appeal, your child should still get SEN support SEN support The everyday help a school in England puts in place for a child with special educational needs. It is based on what your child needs, not on having a diagnosis. Read the full definition of SEN support at school, and what those reports say can help shape it.
Related words
Where this comes from
- Appeal an education, health and care (EHC) plan decision , GOV.UK. Checked 2026-08-14.
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