Request an Education, Health and Care Plan assessment
All referrals relating to children and families are now managed through our Stronger Families Hub.
To request an Education, Health and Care Plan assessment (EHCPA):
- complete an EHC Needs Assessment (PDF, 298 KB)
- attach the completed assessment and apply for an EHCNA through our online portal.
Apply for an EHCNA
Please note: There is no need to call the Stronger Families Hub for an update. Our SEND Service will write to you with acknowledgment of your request and provide a timeline for the decision and next steps.
Banded funding for students with an EHCP
Guidance for mainstream schools
Hillingdon Mainstream SEND Banded Funding Guidance 2025 (PDF, 608 KB) has been developed with representatives from Hillingdon Council, all phases of schools, a Parent Carer Forum representative and with contributions from therapy leads.
The Mainstream SEND Banded Framework (PDF, 939 KB) has drawn from analysis of data and feedback from schools and wider partners, as well as a variety of models from other local authority areas. It references and supports the 'graduated approach' outlined in the SEND Code of Practice (2015), and the 4 areas of need referenced in this. This provides consistency with the recently-refreshed Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) Guidance, which provides guidance on support and intervention that should be used before considering a request for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment.
Guidance for special schools
Hillingdon’s Special School Banding Framework (PDF, 1011 KB) sets out how funding is allocated for placements in special schools. It helps ensure that funding matches the individual needs of children and young people.
The framework was created with Hillingdon's special schools and uses clear descriptions to understand different levels of need. This helps make funding decisions more consistent and ensures schools can give the right support.
It also aims to:
- improve outcomes for children and young people,
- build confidence for parents and carers,
- and ensure resources are used effectively.
Early Years SEN Inclusion Funding (SENIF)
Early Years SENIF funding supports eligible children to access early education and promotes inclusive practice by meeting individual needs. It can be used flexibly for staff training, specialist resources, or additional staffing.
The SENIF framework, descriptors, and application and evaluation forms are aligned with the DfE Early Years Assessment Tool for the four areas of SEND, which has been adapted to include a comment section to aid settings in its use.
Find out more in our Early Years SEN Inclusion Funding (SENIF) Framework (PDF, 715 KB).
Education settings can refer into our services via our Education Portal.
Read our SENIF application portal guidance (PDF, 450 KB) to learn how to make a referral.