Steps Towards Getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that describes a child or young person’s special educational needs (SEN), the support they require, and the outcomes they aim to achieve. It covers children and young people from birth up to the age of 25.

The EHCP Journey: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Recognition of Need

• Concerns raised by parents/carers, education staff, or healthcare professionals
• The child/young person is likely already receiving SEN Support (My Plan or My Plan +)
• Evidence gathered showing that current support is not sufficient

Step 2: Request for EHCP Needs Assessment

Who can request:

• Parents/carers
• The young person (if over 16)
• The educational setting (with parental knowledge)
• Health or social care professionals

How to request:

• Write to your Local Authority (LA)’s SEN department
• Include evidence of needs and current support
• Explain why an EHCP is needed
• Attach reports from professionals involved

Step 3: Local Authority Decision (within 6 weeks)

The LA considers:

• Evidence of SEN
• If needs can be met with existing school resources
• If additional support is required

Possible outcomes:

• If approved: Move to assessment phase
• If declined: LA must explain why and provide info on:
  • Appealing to the SEND Tribunal
  • Mediation services
  • Dispute resolution options

Step 4: EHCP Needs Assessment

If approved, the LA gathers information from:

• Parents/carers and the child/young person
• Educational setting
• Educational psychologist
• Health professionals
• Social care professionals
• Other relevant experts

Step 5: Decision Whether to Issue an EHCP (within 16 weeks)

The LA decides based on the gathered evidence:

• If approved: A draft EHCP is prepared
• If declined: LA must explain and provide appeal rights

Step 6: Draft EHCP and Consultation

• Parents/carers receive the draft EHCP
• 15 days to:
  • Review content
  • Request a specific school/setting
  • Challenge parts they disagree with
• LA consults with educational settings about placement

Step 7: Final EHCP Issued (within 20 weeks)

The final EHCP includes:

• Section A: Child/young person’s views and background
• Section B: Special educational needs
• Section C: Health needs related to SEN
• Section D: Social care needs
• Section E: Outcomes sought
• Section F: Educational provision
• Section G: Health provision
• Section H: Social care provision
• Section I: Named educational placement
• Section J: Personal budget (if applicable)
• Section K: Reports and advice gathered

Step 8: Implementation and Monitoring

• The named school/setting must admit the child
• All support in the EHCP must be delivered
• Progress is reviewed at least annually

EHCP Timeframes

• 6 weeks: Decision to assess
• 16 weeks: Decision to issue an EHCP
• 20 weeks: Final EHCP issued

If You Disagree with Decisions

You have the right to:

1. Request disagreement resolution or mediation
2. Appeal to the SEND Tribunal about:
   • Refusal to assess
   • Refusal to issue an EHCP
   • Content of Sections B (needs), F (provision), or I (placement)

Supporting the Process

• Keep all records of communication
• Collect professional reports and impact evidence
• Seek advice from SENDIASS
• Join local parent carer forums
• Connect with peer support groups for shared experience

Annual Reviews

• Must happen at least once a year
• Review progress towards outcomes
• Make updates based on changing needs
• Request a re-assessment if needs have significantly changed
• Crucial during transition periods (e.g., moving to secondary school or adulthood)

Ending an EHCP

An EHCP will end when:

• The LA decides it is no longer necessary
• The young person enters higher education
• The young person starts paid employment
• The young person turns 25

Remember: The EHCP process should be person-centred, with the child or young person’s views, needs, and aspirations at its heart.