SEND in Education
Information & advice
Understanding EHCP’s
If you’re supporting a child with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) on their educational journey, you may have come across the term Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).
In this guide, we’re here to help you understand what an EHCP is, how it can support your child’s individual needs and help them thrive in their educational journey.
In this guide:
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) is a legal document in the UK designed to support children and young people up to the age of 25 who have special educational needs and disabilities.
It outlines the specific educational, health and social care needs an individual requires and how these should be met.
Who needs an EHCP?
While many children with special educational needs receive support through SEN services, some may need extra help. EHCP’s are for children and young people whose needs go beyond what mainstream schools, nurseries or colleges can offer.
If you feel like your child needs extra help, you can request an EHC Needs Assessment from your local authority. They’ll work with you to assess your child’s needs and decide whether an EHCP is the best way forward.
Don’t worry if your child doesn’t have a medical diagnosis – it’s not necessary to apply for an EHCP. The goal is to ensure your child gets the support they need, based on their individual challenges and strengths.
Here’s what an EHCP typically includes:
Assessment of Needs: This section details the child’s strengths and difficulties in areas like learning, communication, behaviour, physical health and emotional well-being.
Desired Outcomes:The plan outlines long-term goals for the child, focusing on what they should achieve in education, health, and independence. It should take into account the views, interests and aspirations of the child, alongside those of their parents.
Support Plan: It specifies what support and resources will be provided, including specialised teaching methods, equipment, therapies or additional assistance.
Who Will Provide Support: The EHCP lists all the professionals involved in the child’s care, including teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, or healthcare providers, as well as personal budget arrangements.
Review Process: EHCPs are reviewed annually to ensure they continue to meet the child’s needs and help them make progress.
How to get an EHCP?
You can apply for an EHCP Needs Assessment by contacting your local authority’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) team. Parents, carers, educators or young people aged 16 and over can request an EHCP.
When submitting a request, certain paperwork is required to ensure all relevant information is considered. If you’re unsure about what needs to be submitted, your local SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) can provide guidance.
Once the request is submitted, the local authority has six weeks to decide whether to proceed with the assessment. If the decision is made to proceed, a panel will review all of the gathered information and decide whether an EHCP is necessary.
Appealing an EHCP
If you disagree with the local authority’s decision regarding your child’s EHCP, you have the right to appeal through the First-tier Tribunal, commonly known as the SEND Tribunal. Young people over 16 years old also have the right to appeal.
Reasons for appeal:
You can appeal to the SEND Tribunal if the local authority:
- Refuses to conduct an EHC needs assessment or re-assessment.
- Refuses to issue an EHC Plan.
- Issues or amends an EHC Plan, but you disagree with sections regarding special educational needs, provision, or placement.
- Decides not to amend an EHC Plan after an annual review.
- Decides to cease maintaining the EHC Plan.
Before appealing, it is essential to consider mediation, unless it relates to a specific case concerning school placement. Mediation can help resolve disagreements between families and the local authority without the need for a tribunal.
Kids mediation
Mediation is a faster, less formal alternative to Tribunal that can ease pressure and help rebuild relationships.
Kids is one of the UK’s most experienced SEND mediation providers, offering impartial, expert support across 30+ local authorities.