Start here: find the right support

Do you need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?

If your child needs more support than the school can provide, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may help.

This page explains what to consider and what happens next.

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP is a legal document that:

  • Describes your child’s needs
  • Sets out the support required
  • Covers education, health and care

When you might need one

You may be thinking about an EHCP if:

  • Your child is not making progress
  • Support in school is not enough
  • Needs are complex or long-term

Your next step

Find out how support should work before an EHCP:

Link: Support in education – Local Offer

Requesting an assessment

You or the school can ask for an assessment:

Link: Requesting an EHCP assessment

What happens next

If agreed, the process includes:

  • Assessment of needs
  • Planning support
  • Issuing the EHCP

Link: EHCP timeline 

Reviews and ongoing support

EHCPs are reviewed regularly:

Link: Annual reviews

If you disagree

Support is available if you do not agree with decisions:

Link: Disagreement resolution and appeals

Find additional support

You can also access local services:

Link: Local groups and organisations 

What most people do next

Most families:

  • Speak to their school or SENDCo
  • Consider whether to request an assessment
  • Continue accessing available support