The FIRST Hub

13/01/2026

13/01/2026

EHCP Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) the actual legal test, minus the bull 💩

SEND parents are quite often given a long list of reasons why they should “wait”, “try more things”, or “prove it first” before applying for an EHCNA.

You’ll recognise a lot of them in the graphic below.
Most of us were told at least three before breakfast!

But the law is brutally simple….

For an EHC Needs Assessment, the criteria is:

1️⃣ Your child has, or may have SEND
2️⃣ They may need special educational provision via an EHCP

That’s it 🤯 That is exactly the test the Local authority must apply when they are forming their opinion. They can’t lawfully raise the bar higher than that (even though they often try).

Those two tests are in Section 36(8) of the Children and families act 2014.

And remember, you’re not saying “my child definitely needs an EHCP.” You’re saying “can we please assess their needs so we can understand their barriers to education?”

When you’re told to “wait” or given one of the below myths, it’s rarely about your child. It’s likely to come from a system that isn’t properly trained in the law and doesn’t have the time or funding to apply it.

But none of that changes your child’s legal rights.
Parents and carers can request an Assessment themselves.

If you’re ready to take the first step, I’ve put a free EHCNA request template on my website www.send-compass.co.uk that you can copy, tweak, and send to the LA along with your evidence (any refferals, diagnosis reports,Sen support plans attendance etc)

You’re just asking the system to do the thing the law already says it should 💚

They often decline people, but you can absolutely exercise your right to appeal. The Tribunal will always apply the two part test x

13/01/2026

A Child’s Voice – After School, I Need You to Know
The Child Who Masks

Earlier today I shared the swan model.

The one that looks calm on the surface, gliding through the school day — while underneath, it’s paddling fast just to stay afloat.

This is that same child, speaking now.

When I come out of school, I’m not being “dramatic”.
I’m not suddenly difficult.
I’m not undoing all the good behaviour you were told about.

I’ve been holding it together all day.

I’ve pushed feelings down so I didn’t stand out.
I’ve copied others so I could fit in.
I’ve kept my stims small and hidden.
I’ve smiled when I didn’t feel OK.
I’ve tried to remember every rule so no one got cross.
I’ve ignored what felt too loud, too bright, too much.

And by the time I reach you, there’s nothing left in the tank.

What looks like defiance, tears, shutdown, or anger after school is often exhaustion from masking.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone — and neither is your child.

My Masking Toolkit supports parents and educators to understand masking, recognise the hidden load, and reduce the pressure children carry just to be accepted. Link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

12/01/2026

The letter ...

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Take a look at our website for more information on what we offer and how we can help .
https://www.firsthub.org/

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