Support in education
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
What is an EHCP?
Most children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will have their needs met by mainstream nurseries, schools and colleges. Schools will use the Graduated Response to make sure that the child’s needs are properly identified and a plan is in place to meet them.
An education, health and care (EHC) plan is for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who need additional special educational provision. It will identify educational, health and social needs and set out additional support to meet those needs. An EHCP:
- describes needs
- sets outcomes
- identifies required support
- brings together education, health and social care
It is a legal document.
What an EHCP includes (Sections A–K)
Although EHCPs vary for each individual, they must follow the structure set out in Chapter 9 of the SEND Code of Practice, which establishes a set of common sections that all EHCPs must include:
- Section A: Family views and aspirations
- Section B: The child or young person’s special educational needs (SEN)
- Section C: Any health needs related to their SEN
- Section D: Their social care needs
- Section E: The outcomes you’re hoping to achieve, including long‑term aspirations for adult life
- Section F: The special educational provision required
- Section G: Any health care provision required
- Section H: Any social care provision or support required
- Section I: The name and type of the school or other placement
- Section J: Personal Budget arrangements—if you have one, and how it may be used to meet outcomes
- Section K: Appendices—advice and information gathered during the EHC needs assessment
When an EHC needs assessment may be needed
An assessment may be appropriate if:
- progress is limited despite SEND Support
- needs are long-term or complex
- school based support is no longer sufficient
- multiple strategies have been tried without improvement
Who can request an assessment?
- parents or carers
- young people aged 16–25
- schools, colleges or early years settings Schools can access the Professional Portal here: Log in to the Professional Portal
Parental requests do not require agreement from the school but its always better to discuss your request before submitting it. The school will have information that may help you to evidence why an EHC needs assessment may be required.
What to include in a request
- details of needs
- current support
- what has worked or not
- any professional reports
- family and child views
Access the forms here:
Assessment process and timelines - EHCP timeline – Local Offer