EBSA and Requests for Education Health Care Needs Assessments

Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) are for children and young people who have a special educational need or disability that cannot be met by the support that is available at their school or college setting. Most children and young people with special educational needs will have help given to them without the need for an EHC Plan at the SEN support level.

In some cases children who display EBSA behaviours may have underlying special educational needs and require support above the SEN support level. If this is the case schools or parent can request that the local authority undertake an Education Health Care needs assessment.

In order to be able to decide whether an assessment should occur the Local Authority will need to see evidence that the school or college have taken appropriate action following the assess, plan, do and review cycle and there is evidence that the child or young person has not made adequate progress or has only made progress because of a very high level of support.

Assess Gain a full understanding of the special educational needs the CYP has by working closely with the CYP and their parents. Involve appropriate agencies. Review Monitor the progress made and adjust the support for the young person. Undertake further assessment if necessary . Plan Based on information gathered identifiy SMART outcomes with the CYP and parents, plan interventions and support to build on strengths and support their needs Do Ensure resources and support is in place. Is the support in place over and above the SEN Support level?

When a child has been displaying EBSA behaviours, the local authority will require evidence that the school has sought and followed advice from:

  • outside agencies that advise schools
  • health professionals
  • professionals that work with families.

    Examples of the services this may include can be found in the Further local support & resources section of this guidance.

    Before making a request for an EHCNA schools should refer to:

  • The West Sussex Guidance and Criteria for EHC Needs Assessments.
  • The West Sussex Graduated Approach Guidance Document
  • The SEND Code of Practice 2015
  • Children and young people with medical needs schools must have regards to the new DfE guidance (2015): ‘Supporting children at school with medical conditions: Statutory guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools and proprietors of academies in England. ’


    Download a PDF version of the Emotionally Based School Avoidance Guidance and other leaflets here.