How to write a letter that works

A good letter does most of the work for you. It puts your request on the record, starts the clock the law cares about, and makes it easy for the Local Authority to say yes. You do not need fancy words or legal Latin. You need to be clear and on time.

Five things make a letter work, whatever it is about.

Be specific. Say exactly what you want and by when. “Please carry out an EHC needs assessment” beats “Please can you help with my son.” Name the child, give their date of birth, and quote any reference number at the top.

Name the law plainly. If a law gives you a right, say so in one short line. You do not need to explain it. “I am requesting an EHC needs assessment under section 36 of the Children and Families Act 2014” is enough. The next lessons give you the exact lines.

Give a deadline. Ask the Local Authority to confirm it has received your letter and to reply within the time the law allows or within a set number of days. A clear deadline creates a clear record.

Keep it short. One page where you can. A busy officer reads a short letter properly. Lead with what you want, then your reasons, then a closing ask.

Keep a copy. Send by email where you can, so you have proof and a date. If you post it, get proof of posting. Every letter you send may matter later.

The letters in this module cover the whole journey, from asking for an assessment to escalating to the Ombudsman. Find the one for where you are, read the short note at the top, then make it yours.

This covers the law in England only. The rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check your nation if you are dealing with a Local Authority elsewhere. This is information, not legal advice.