Starting a new school year can feel exciting and daunting in equal measure. If your child needs extra help to access learning, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can bring clarity and consistency across home and school. Occupational therapy (OT) evidence is often a key part of that picture.
This late-summer guide explains how Waves OT assesses and reports for EHCPs, how findings like Movement ABC-2 (MABC-2), DASH, EASI-informed sensory profiles, Beery VMI and real-life observation are translated into measurable outcomes and provisions, and what to expect from timelines and settings. You will also find a short September prep checklist you can action today.
Whether you are a parent, SENCO or teacher, the aim is simple, clear, useful support that helps children begin September with confidence.
How an EHCP OT assessment works
At Waves OT, an EHCP-focused assessment brings together standardised tests, functional observation and the goals that matter to your child. The steps typically include:
- Pre-assessment questionnaires from parents, and where relevant, school staff, to map priorities and contexts.
- Direct assessment using tools indicated by your concerns. Examples include:
- MABC-2 for balance, coordination and manual dexterity where DCD traits are suspected.
- DASH for handwriting speed and stamina where writing limits classwork or tests.
- Beery Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) to understand how eyes and hands work together.
- EASI-informed sensory assessment to identify regulation patterns and classroom triggers.
- Functional observation in clinic, at home or in school to see what helps and what hinders in real tasks like lining up, writing, PE warm ups, dressing for forest school, or transitions between lessons.
- A concise, plain-language report that explains what is happening, why it matters in daily routines, and how to respond. Findings are mapped to EHCP sections with suggested outcomes and provisions.
- Optional feedback with families and school to plan trials, align with Assess, Plan, Do, Review, and prepare for SEN reviews or panel queries.
No single test stands alone. We combine scores with observation to produce recommendations that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For example, a DASH finding of slow speed may translate into a 10-week target to trial a sloped board and short writing bursts with movement breaks, reviewed half termly.
The 5 stages of the EHCP process
Local practice varies, but families will typically see five broad stages:
- Request: Anyone can ask the Local Authority to assess needs. Parents and young people can apply directly, and schools can also make the request.
- Needs assessment: Evidence is gathered from education, health and care. This can include OT reports, teacher input, EP input and medical information where relevant.
- Decision to issue: The Local Authority decides whether needs require an EHCP. If yes, they draft the plan.
- Drafting and consultation: You and the school review the draft, suggest changes to needs, outcomes and provisions, and confirm placement.
- Final plan and review: The EHCP is issued and reviewed at least annually. Outcomes and provisions are updated as needs change.
Waves OT supports stages 2 to 5 with targeted assessment, report updates and school liaison.
Do you need a diagnosis and can a parent apply?
You do not need a diagnosis to request an EHCP. The legal test is about needs and the provision required for a child to make progress. Parents and young people can apply directly, and schools can apply too. An OT report can clarify functional needs and what provision is reasonably required, even while a diagnostic pathway is ongoing.
What evidence helps and how OT reports strengthen a case
Panels look for clear needs, a link to daily functioning, and specific provision recommendations. Helpful evidence includes:
- Objective scores where appropriate (for example MABC-2, DASH, VMI, EASI-informed profiles).
- Functional observation of the classroom and home impact, not just scores.
- Measurable recommendations that schools can implement and review.
An EHCP-focused OT report from Waves OT typically includes:
- A short summary of key needs in education language.
- Mapped outcomes and provisions aligned to EHCP sections.
- Practical classroom strategies with review points.
- Home routines that mirror school strategies to build consistency.
- Suggestions for monitoring, such as handwriting speed samples, movement break schedules, or sensory regulation logs.
Examples of OT-led provisions include planned movement breaks, sloped boards, alternative recording when stamina limits output, visual timelines, predictable transitions, ear defenders when appropriate, footrests for posture, EASI-informed sensory toolkits and fine-motor programmes integrated into class routines.
If sensory processing is a core question, our EASI-informed service provides structured insight into triggers and supports. You can read more about EASI approaches in Cornwall and Devon via our overview of sensory assessment in Truro and Penzance.
Where assessments happen and typical timelines
Assessments are offered in clinic at Threemilestone, Truro, and can also take place at home or in school across Cornwall and Devon. Sessions are paced to the child, with short breaks where needed. Typical timings vary:
- DASH standalone handwriting assessment: around 30 to 45 minutes plus observation of posture, grip and setup.
- MABC-2: usually 40 to 60 minutes depending on age, with movement breaks as needed.
- EASI-informed sensory assessment: a structured session with activity-based tasks, discussion and observation.
- Combined EHCP-focused assessments: timing varies by aims and age. We agree the scope and setting at booking.
Reports are returned promptly. If you have time-sensitive dates for SEN reviews or September transitions, please flag them at enquiry so we can plan accordingly.
How an EHCP can help a child with ADHD or DCD
For ADHD, an EHCP can set expectations for regulation and access. Examples include short, planned movement opportunities, subtle fidgets, chunked instructions, visual what-now prompts, low-demand quiet spots, and consistent routines around transitions.
For DCD, an EHCP can target coordination, handwriting access and PE participation. Provisions may include sloped boards, pencil grip trials, alternative recording when fatigue is the barrier, explicit demonstrations in PE, friendly equipment for practice, and extra time for multi-step motor tasks.
Once an EHCP is granted, the plan is implemented by the setting and reviewed at least annually. Schools track outcomes, adjust provisions that are not working, and invite updated evidence where needed. Waves OT can attend or liaise ahead of reviews to refresh targets and progress measures.
September transition checklist
- Confirm key adults, quiet spaces and movement-break routines with the class team.
- Share a brief one-page profile noting sensory preferences, writing stamina, posture needs and successful prompts.
- Agree how handwriting output will be captured when fatigue sets in, for example scribe or short typing bursts.
- Set up the desk: feet supported, hips and knees at roughly 90 degrees, slight paper angle, sloped surface if helpful.
- Prepare a simple sensory toolkit for busy days, such as ear defenders, a cosy layer, a chewy or crunchy snack, and a small fidget.
- Plan short reviews in the first 3 to 6 weeks to check what is working and adjust early.
FAQ
What are the stages of an EHCP? Request, needs assessment, decision to issue, draft and consultation, and final plan with annual review.
Do I need a diagnosis and can I apply as a parent? No diagnosis is needed to request an EHCP. Yes, parents and young people can apply directly.
What evidence is most useful? Clear functional needs, relevant test scores where appropriate, and specific, measurable provisions with review points. An OT report connects findings to everyday school access.
Where will the OT assessment take place and how long will it take? Clinic, home or school across Cornwall and Devon. Timing depends on tools and age. DASH often takes 30 to 45 minutes; MABC-2 around 40 to 60 minutes; combined EHCP assessments vary by scope.
How does an EHCP help with ADHD or DCD and what happens after issue? It sets out needs, outcomes and provisions such as movement breaks, sensory supports and handwriting access strategies. The plan is implemented and reviewed at least annually, with adjustments based on progress.
Working with Waves OT before autumn term
If you are preparing evidence or want a focused plan for September, we can help with EHCP-oriented assessments, concise reports and school liaison. Learn more about our EASI-informed sensory assessments in Truro and Penzance, including what the session involves and how findings map to classroom strategies, by visiting our page on EASI assessments in Truro and Penzance. If you are ready to discuss an EHCP-focused pathway or to request an assessment, get in touch and we can plan the right setting for your child.
Internal links you may find useful:
- Read about our EASI-informed sensory assessment approach and booking options in Cornwall and Devon at our EASI sensory assessment page: truro sensory processing evaluation and Penzance EASI assessment information.
- Explore our DASH handwriting assessment service for objective speed evidence and practical classroom strategies: children’s handwriting assessment in Truro.
Summary:
EHCP OT assessments bring together scores, observation and practical strategies to define what helps a child learn and participate. You do not need a diagnosis to request assessment, and parents can apply. With clear outcomes and workable provisions, you can enter September with a plan that supports focus, comfort and confidence. If timing is tight, contact Waves OT to discuss next steps and suitable settings for your child.