EHCP Process

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Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

At our school, we are committed to working closely with families to support children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). One way this support may be provided is through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

This page explains what an EHCP is, how the process works, and how we support families throughout.

 

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 who have significant special educational needs that cannot be met through the support ordinarily available in school.

 

An EHCP:

  • Describes a child’s needs
  • Sets out the support they require
  • Identifies the outcomes everyone is working towards
  • Is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate

 

EHCPs are issued by the Local Authority.

 

How is an EHCP different from SEN Support?

Most children with additional needs are supported at SEN Support level in school. This includes targeted strategies, small group support, and reasonable adjustments.

An EHCP may be considered when:

  • A child continues to make limited progress, despite SEN Support
  • Their needs are complex, long‑term, and significant
  • They require support beyond what the school can normally provide

 

 

Requesting an EHCP Needs Assessment

An EHCP needs assessment is the first step in the process.

A request can be made by:

  • Parents or carers
  • The school (with parental involvement)
  • Health or social care professionals

 

If parents wish to make a request themselves, the school is very happy to support and advise.

 

What happens during the assessment?

If the Local Authority agrees to assess, they will gather information from a range of professionals, which may include:

  • Parents and carers
  • School staff
  • Educational Psychology
  • Health professionals
  • Social care (where appropriate)

 

Parents’ views and the child’s voice are a vital part of this process.

 

Timescales

The EHCP process is governed by strict timescales:

  •  From request to final decision usually takes up to 20 weeks
  • Parents will be kept informed at each stage
  • The Local Authority will inform parents if an EHCP will be issued or not

 

 

If an EHCP is issued

If the Local Authority decides to issue an EHCP:

  •  A draft plan is shared with parents for review
  • Parents can comment and request changes
  • Parents have the right to express a preference for a school
  • A final EHCP is then issued

 

Once in place, the EHCP:

 

  • Is shared with school
  • Is reviewed at least once a year
  • Is updated as a child’s needs change

 

 

If an EHCP is not issued

If the Local Authority decides not to issue an EHCP:

  • Parents will be informed of the reasons
  • The child will continue to receive support at SEN Support level
  • Parents have the right to mediation and appeal

 

The school continues to work closely with families regardless of the decision.

 

How we support families

We understand that the EHCP process can feel complex and overwhelming. At our school we:

  • Work in partnership with parents at every stage
  • Provide evidence and professional input when needed
  • Support communication with the Local Authority
  • Focus on the child’s wellbeing as well as progress

 

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the SENCo, who will be happy to talk things through.

 

Further support

Additional independent advice is available from:

  • The Local Authority SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
  • Parent support groups and charities

 

Details can be provided on request.