An Education, Health and Care Plan — an EHCP — is a legal document that sets out the extra support a child or young person needs, up to age 25. It can feel like a maze of paperwork, but in plain English it’s simply a plan that brings education, health and social care together around your child.
What an EHCP is for
Most children with special educational needs get support through their school’s ordinary SEND provision. An EHCP is the next step up: it’s for children whose needs can’t be met from that provision alone. Once in place, it legally requires the local authority to arrange the support it describes.
How the process works
- You, your child’s school or another professional can ask the local authority for an EHC needs assessment.
- The local authority decides whether to assess. It must involve you and your child throughout.
- If an EHCP is agreed, a draft is written, and you have time to comment and request changes.
- The final plan sets out needs, outcomes and the provision to meet them.
Timescales apply at each stage, and you have a right to be consulted and to challenge decisions.
What a good plan includes
A strong EHCP should name:
- your child’s needs, in their own words where possible
- clear, measurable outcomes you’re all working towards
- the specific support, staffing and resources required
- where the provision will happen, and who is responsible
If the wording is vague — “support as needed” rather than named hours and provision — ask for it to be made specific.
Preparing for meetings and annual reviews
The plan is reviewed at least once a year. Before any meeting:
- write down what’s working and what isn’t
- bring your child’s views, and help them attend or contribute if they can
- keep examples from home that school may not see
- ask for a copy of any reports in advance
You are an equal partner in these meetings. If something isn’t right, say so and follow up in writing.
Getting help with the process
You don’t have to navigate an EHCP alone. Your local authority’s SEND information service, charities such as IPSEA, and your child’s school SENCO can all help you understand your rights.
How Edjuvera can help
Our experienced SEND tutors can provide the one-to-one tuition named in an EHCP, with clear reporting back to families and professionals. Read more about how we work with schools and local authorities, or get in touch to talk it through.
