Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on the refusal of requests for education, health and care assessments for children with a diagnosis of autism.

The guidance issued to local authorities about education, health and care (EHC) needs assessments for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including autism, is as specified in the SEND Code of Practice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25.

Where a local authority decides not to conduct an EHC needs assessment, it must inform the child’s parents or the young person of their right to appeal that decision and the time limit for doing so, of the requirement for them to consider mediation should they wish to appeal, and ensure the availability of information, advice and support and disagreement resolution services. The local authority should also provide feedback collected during the process of considering whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary, including evidence from professionals, which the parent, young person, early years provider, school or post-16 institution may find useful.