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Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

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Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Contents

What an EHCP is
Who can get an EHCP
The EHCP process
What an EHCP includes
Reviews and changes
When things go wrong
Related guidance

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What an EHCP is

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that sets out the support a child or young person with special educational needs (SEN) requires to meet their learning outcomes.
 It replaces the old “Statement of SEN” system and ensures that education, health and social care services work together in one coordinated plan.

The plan is written and maintained by the local authority and must specify exactly what provision is needed — not just what’s available.

Related guidance

  • SEN Support in schools
  • EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School)
  • Local Authority duties under the Children and Families Act 2014
  • Annual Reviews
  • SEND Tribunal
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    Who can get an EHCP

    An EHCP can be issued for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who:

    • have significant or complex needs that cannot be met through SEN support alone

    • require coordinated input from education, health or social care

    • need special educational provision beyond what a school or college normally provides

    You do not need a diagnosis to apply — eligibility is based on need, not label.

    Check if your child may need an EHCP
    Learn how to identify when additional support is required.

    The EHCP process

    Step 1 – Requesting an assessment
    Anyone can request an EHC needs assessment — a parent, young person (aged 16–25), or school. The local authority must decide within 6 weeks whether to assess.
    Step 2 – The assessment
    If agreed, professionals (educational psychologist, therapists, SENCO, etc.) will gather evidence about the child’s needs and outcomes.
    Step 3 – Draft plan issued
    If the authority decides an EHCP is necessary, they issue a draft plan. Parents have 15 days to comment or request a preferred school.
    Step 4 – Final plan
    The final EHCP must be issued within 20 weeks of the initial request. It becomes a legally binding document that all named services must follow.
    Learn how to request and manage an EHCP
    Find forms, deadlines and template letters.

    What an EHCP includes

    An EHCP is divided into 12 statutory sections. The most important are:

    • Section A – The child’s views, interests and aspirations

    • Section B – Special educational needs

    • Section F – Special educational provision (must be specific and quantified)

    • Section I – Named school or setting

    • Section J – Funding or personal budget (if applicable)

    Other sections cover health, social care and outcomes.
     Only Section F is legally enforceable for educational provision.

    See a breakdown of EHCP sections
    Understand what each part should contain.

    Reviews and changes

    EHCPs must be reviewed at least annually to:

    • track progress towards outcomes

    • update provision or placement

    • plan transitions (e.g. to secondary school or college)

    Parents and young people can request an early review if needs change or the current provision is no longer suitable.

    Read about EHCP annual reviews
    Find out what to expect and how to prepare.

    When things go wrong

    If a local authority refuses to assess, issue, or amend an EHCP, you have the right to:

    • mediation with the local authority

    • appeal to the SEND Tribunal within 2 months of the decision

    You can also challenge failure to deliver Section F provision by raising it with the SEN case officer or the Local Government Ombudsman.

    Learn how to appeal or complain about an EHCP
    Find steps for mediation and tribunal support.

    Get help with an EHCP

    Search for tutors, advocates and therapists who can help prepare reports, contribute to EHCPs, or deliver the provision named in Section F.

    Find SEN advisors and support providers