Free printable EHCP diary template
A free weekly diary sheet for parents gathering evidence for an EHC needs assessment, an annual review or a school meeting. Record what happened, what set it off, what helped and how hard the day was. Short, dated notes are far stronger evidence than memory.
The PDF has a blank A4 weekly sheet and a filled-in example week to show the level of detail that helps. Print one sheet a week and keep them in date order.
Child: ______________________ Week starting: ______________
| Day | What happened | What set it off (if known) | Support given and what helped | How long it lasted | Difficulty 1-5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | |||||
| Tue | |||||
| Wed | |||||
| Thu | |||||
| Fri | |||||
| Sat | |||||
| Sun |
Sleep this week: ______________________________________________
School contact this week (who, when, what was said): ______________________________________
Write facts you saw or were told, with dates. Keep it short. This is a parent-kept record, not a medical or legal document.
How to use the diary sheet
- Fill it in the same day, or the next morning at the latest. A few words are enough.
- Write what you saw or were told, not guesses about causes or diagnoses.
- Add times and durations: "40 minutes", "all lunch", "asleep at 11.40pm".
- Record what helped, such as a quiet space, a visual timetable or a trusted adult. It shows which support works.
- Rate how hard the day was from 1 to 5, so patterns stand out over weeks.
- Note school contact: who you spoke to, when, and what they said or promised.
Good days matter too. They show what support makes a difference, which helps decide what should go into an EHC plan.
What a useful entry looks like
| Too vague | Specific and useful |
|---|---|
| Bad morning again. | Mon 3 Nov. Refused uniform and hid under the bed for 35 minutes. Arrived 50 minutes late. Calmed only when walked to the classroom door. |
| Struggles at lunch. | Tue 4 Nov. Left the dinner hall after 5 minutes, covering ears. Lunchbox came home full. TA says this happens most days. |
More examples in our guide: what to write in an EHCP diary. For other kinds of evidence, read how to gather evidence for an EHCP.
Common questions
Is this EHCP diary template free?
Yes. Download the PDF, print as many copies as you like and share it with other parents. No sign-up is needed.
How long should I keep a diary before asking for an EHC needs assessment?
There is no set length, but 6 to 8 weeks of regular, dated entries usually shows a clear pattern. Do not delay a request just to keep a diary; you can keep recording while the council decides.
What should I write in each box?
Facts you saw or were told: what happened, when, how long it lasted, what seemed to set it off and what helped. See the example week in the PDF and our guide to what to write in an EHCP diary.
Can I send the diary to the council or school?
Yes. A clear, dated diary is useful evidence for an EHC needs assessment request, an annual review or a school meeting. Keep a copy of everything you send.
Is there an online version?
Yes. EHCPlog is a free online diary that takes about 30 seconds a day and turns your entries into a dated evidence pack PDF.
Prefer your phone to paper?
EHCPlog is the same diary online: about 30 seconds a day, with patterns, deadline reminders and a dated evidence pack PDF when you need it. Free for one child.