An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who need more support than is available through SEN Support. This guide explains the key stages of the EHCP process and what parents and carers need to know.
What Is an EHCP?
An EHCP outlines a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support they require, and the outcomes they are working towards. It covers education, health, and social care needs and is a legally binding document, meaning the local authority must ensure the provision described in the plan is delivered.
Who Can Request an EHCP Assessment?
An EHCP needs assessment can be requested by a parent or carer, a young person over the age of 16, or a school or education setting (with parental knowledge). The request is made to the local authority, usually in writing. It should include information about the child’s needs and explain why the current level of support is not sufficient.
The 20-Week Timeline
The EHCP process has a statutory timeline of 20 weeks from the date the request is received by the local authority.
Weeks 1 to 6: The local authority decides whether to carry out an assessment. They must inform you of their decision within six weeks. If they agree to assess, they will gather information from you, the school, health professionals, and other relevant parties.
Weeks 6 to 16: The assessment takes place. Reports and advice are gathered from education, health, and social care professionals. Parents are also asked to contribute their views and information about their child.
Weeks 16 to 20: If the local authority decides to issue an EHCP, a draft plan is prepared and shared with parents. Parents have 15 days to review the draft and make comments. The final plan must be issued within 20 weeks of the initial request.
What If the Local Authority Refuses to Assess?
If the local authority decides not to carry out an assessment, they must inform you of their reasons. Parents have the right to request mediation and/or appeal to the SEND Tribunal. The appeal process allows an independent panel to review the decision.
Key Sections of an EHCP
Section A: The views, interests, and aspirations of the child and their parents.
Section B: The child’s special educational needs (SEN).
Section C: The child’s health needs related to their SEN.
Section D: The child’s social care needs related to their SEN.
Section E: The outcomes sought for the child, including education, health, and social care outcomes.
Section F: The special educational provision required to meet the needs in Section B. This section must be specific, detailed, and quantified.
Section G: Health provision required.
Section H: Social care provision required.
Section I: The name and type of school or placement.
Annual Reviews
EHCPs must be reviewed at least once a year. The annual review looks at whether the plan still reflects the child’s needs, whether the support is effective, and whether any changes need to be made. Parents are central to this process and should be fully involved.
Your Rights as a Parent
Throughout the EHCP process, you have the right to be involved in all decisions about your child’s plan, to express a preference for the school or setting your child attends, to request amendments to the plan, and to appeal decisions through the SEND Tribunal.
Understanding the process is the first step to navigating it with confidence. If you need support at any stage, NLH is here to help.