The assessment

Evidence gathering across education, health and care

The council must gather advice from you, the school, an educational psychologist, health professionals and social care. This evidence forms the backbone of any future plan.

Your rights: The 20-week limit runs from the initial request to the issuing of a final plan, with limited exceptions.

Common pitfall: Generic, templated professional advice is common — challenge it if it doesn't reflect your child.

Your voice: Parental views are a statutory part of the evidence the council must consider, not a courtesy add-on. A clear, specific written account from you can carry as much weight as a professional report.

• Submit your own parental views in writing — this becomes part of the legal evidence base

• Request copies of every piece of advice submitted

• Chase silence — the whole process has a 20-week statutory limit from initial request