Understanding EHCPs in the UK
- Rebekah Advocate
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are essential documents designed to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in the UK. These plans ensure that individuals receive the right support to thrive in education and beyond. Understanding the EHCP process can be complex, but this guide breaks it down into clear, practical steps to help you navigate the system effectively.
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is a legal document that outlines the education, health, and social care support a child or young person with SEND requires. It is designed for those who need more support than what is typically available through a school's special educational needs (SEN) support.
EHCPs are for children and young people up to the age of 25 who have significant difficulties in learning or disabilities that affect their ability to access education. The plan details the child’s needs, the outcomes they should achieve, and the support required to meet those outcomes.
Key features of an EHCP include:
A detailed description of the child’s special educational needs.
The health and social care needs related to their education.
Specific outcomes the child should work towards.
The support and resources the local authority will provide.
EHCPs are reviewed annually to ensure the support remains appropriate as the child grows and their needs change.
EHCP Process Explained
The EHCP process involves several stages, from the initial request to the final plan and its review. Understanding each step can help parents, carers, and professionals work together effectively.
1. Requesting an EHCP Assessment
The process begins when a parent, young person, or school requests an EHCP assessment from the local authority. This request can be made if the child has not made expected progress despite receiving SEN support.
The local authority must decide within six weeks whether to carry out an assessment. They will gather information from schools, health professionals, and social care to understand the child’s needs.
2. Assessment and Gathering Evidence
If the assessment is agreed, the local authority collects detailed evidence about the child’s needs. This includes reports from:
Educational psychologists
Teachers and school staff
Health professionals such as speech therapists or pediatricians
Social care workers if applicable
This evidence helps the local authority decide if an EHCP is necessary.
3. Decision and Drafting the EHCP
Within 16 weeks of the request, the local authority must decide whether to issue an EHCP. If they agree, they draft the plan and send it to the parents or young person for consultation.
The draft includes:
The child’s needs
Desired outcomes
Support and provision required
The school or setting where the child will be educated
Parents and young people can provide feedback or request changes before the plan is finalized.
4. Finalizing and Implementing the EHCP
Once agreed, the EHCP is finalized and implemented. The local authority must ensure the support outlined in the plan is provided. Schools and other services work together to meet the child’s needs.
5. Annual Review
The EHCP is reviewed at least once a year to assess progress and update the plan as needed. This review involves parents, the child or young person, school staff, and other professionals.
Is SEN the Same as EHCP?
It is important to understand the difference between SEN and EHCP, as they are related but not the same.
SEN (Special Educational Needs) refers to the additional needs a child may have that require extra support in school. Many children with SEN receive support through their school’s SEN provision without needing an EHCP.
EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a formal legal document for children and young people with more complex or severe needs. It provides a coordinated approach to support across education, health, and social care.
In summary:
SEN support is the first level of help provided by schools.
EHCP is for children who need more intensive, coordinated support.
Not all children with SEN will have an EHCP.
Understanding this distinction helps parents and carers know when to request an EHCP assessment.
How to Request an EHCP Assessment
Requesting an EHCP assessment can feel daunting, but knowing the steps can make the process smoother.
Gather Evidence: Collect reports from teachers, health professionals, and any other relevant experts.
Write a Request Letter: Address it to your local authority’s SEND department. Clearly explain why you believe an EHCP is necessary.
Submit the Request: Send the letter and supporting documents to the local authority.
Follow Up: Keep in contact with the local authority to track the progress of your request.
If you need guidance or support during this process, resources like send ehcp co uk offer expert advice and assistance.
Tips for Working with Schools and Local Authorities
Effective communication with schools and local authorities is key to securing the right support.
Be clear and specific: When discussing your child’s needs, provide detailed examples.
Keep records: Document meetings, emails, and phone calls.
Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to seek clarification on any part of the process.
Involve professionals: Educational psychologists or advocates can provide valuable support.
Stay involved: Attend all meetings and reviews to ensure your child’s needs are met.
What Happens After an EHCP is Issued?
Once an EHCP is in place, the focus shifts to delivering the support and monitoring progress.
Schools must provide the support outlined in the plan.
Health and social care services coordinate their input.
Regular reviews ensure the plan remains relevant.
Adjustments can be made if the child’s needs change.
Parents and young people should feel empowered to raise concerns if the support is not being delivered as agreed.
Understanding the EHCP process is crucial for ensuring children and young people with SEND receive the support they need. By knowing what an EHCP is, how to request one, and how to work with professionals, you can help create a positive educational experience that meets individual needs.
Please do get in contact with Rebekah via booking a FREE consultation or emailing details to rebekah@independentsendehcp.co.uk
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