What is an education, health and care plan (EHCP)?

An EHC plan (also called an EHCP) is an education, health and care plan. Most children and young people with SEND have their needs met with SEND support in a mainstream setting, but some children with complex SEND may require an EHCP.

An EHC plan

  • is for children and young people up to the age of 25 with complex special educational needs and disabilities who need more support than mainstream settings can normally provide through their SEND support.
  • is a legal document.
  • describes a child or young person’s special educational, health and care needs and the support that is required to meet these needs to arrive at the best possible outcomes.
  • is based on a child or young person’s needs and aspirations.
  • specifies how services will work together to meet the identified needs and achieve the identified outcomes.
  • can start from birth and can remain in place until the age of 25.
  • is reviewed every year (or every six months for children under 5)
  • should include plans on preparing for adulthood from age 14 (year 9) onwards.

Watch this video to find out more: What is an EHCP and who is it for? (youtube.com)

Education, health and care plans (EHCP)