What to Write in the Parent and Child Section of an EHCP Needs Assessment

What to Write in the Parent and Child Section of an EHCP Needs Assessment Request

When requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA), one of the most powerful parts of your submission is the Parent and Child Contribution. This is your chance to tell your story — honestly, clearly, and from the heart — to help the Local Authority understand the real impact of your child’s difficulties and the support they truly need.

But what should you include? How do you strike the right balance between emotion and evidence?

This blog will guide you through what to include, how to structure it, and top tips to make your contribution impactful, personal, and legally meaningful.

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🎯 Purpose of the Parent and Child Contribution

The SEND Code of Practice (2015) stresses the importance of person-centred planning and listening to the views, wishes and feelings of the child and their family. Your section is not a formality — it helps shape decisions about support, provision, and placement.

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🧩 What to Include in the Parent Section

1. Your Child’s Strengths and Interests

Start with positives: What does your child enjoy? What are they good at?

Mention their personality, talents, hobbies, and what brings them joy.

✅ Example:

"Elijah is a kind, sensitive boy who loves animals, drawing, and being outdoors. He particularly enjoys horse riding and has formed a strong bond with his equine therapist."

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2. What You’re Concerned About

Be honest but specific — don’t downplay the challenges.

Focus on the impact of your child’s needs on their education, social life, behaviour, and wellbeing.

✅ Example:

"Despite his creativity and curiosity, Elijah is increasingly anxious about attending school. He finds transitions overwhelming, struggles to process verbal instructions, and has frequent sensory overloads in the classroom."

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3. What’s Happening Now (and What’s Not)

Describe what support your child is getting (if any), and why it’s not sufficient.

Highlight gaps, unmet needs, or delays in progress.

✅ Example:

"Although the school provides some group interventions, Elijah needs individualised, trauma-informed support. He cannot access learning without adult scaffolding, and he is currently not making expected progress despite being cognitively able."

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4. Impact on Family Life

Explain how your child’s needs affect daily routines, siblings, and family wellbeing.

This helps demonstrate the wider impact beyond school.

✅ Example:

"Mornings are extremely challenging, often leading to meltdowns and school refusal. This puts immense pressure on the whole family and affects our ability to work and care for our other children."

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5. What You’re Hoping For

Describe what type of help and provision you believe your child needs.

You don’t need to suggest specific schools — focus on provision, like 1:1 support, therapy, or a quieter setting.

✅ Example:

"Elijah would thrive in a therapeutic learning environment with access to SALT, consistent 1:1 support, and sensory regulation breaks. He needs adults who understand neurodivergence and trauma."

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🗣️ What to Include in the Child’s Views

If your child can express their views (verbally, through drawing, or with support), include them in their words:

1. How They Feel About School

Do they like school? What do they find hard or enjoyable?

✅ Example:

"I don’t like when it’s noisy. I feel scared when people shout. I like art and going outside with the horses."

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2. What Helps Them Learn

What do they think helps them concentrate or stay calm?

✅ Example:

"It helps when someone sits with me and doesn’t rush me. I like to draw what I know instead of writing all the time."

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3. What They Wish Grown-Ups Understood

Give them a voice. This is often the most powerful part.

✅ Example:

"I’m not naughty. I get upset because things are too much."

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🧠 Tips for Writing Your Section

Write from the heart, but use clear language.

Avoid blaming individual teachers or schools — keep focus on needs and provision, not people.

Use real-life examples and specific situations.

Keep it structured: consider using bullet points or headings.

If writing is hard, consider submitting an audio or video message, or dictating it to someone.

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📎 Supporting Documents to Attach

While your written section is vital, also include:

Medical letters or diagnoses

School reports or assessments

Notes from meetings or parent-teacher communications

CAMHS, OT, or SALT reports (if you have them)

Attendance records or exclusion letters

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🏁 Final Thoughts

The Parent and Child Contribution is not about ticking a box — it’s about telling the full story behind the paperwork. You are the expert on your child. The more vivid, honest, and specific you can be, the more the Local Authority understands why formal assessment and specialist support are not only necessary, but urgent.