A simple parent & carer guide to the EHCP process. Tap any bubble to read that part of the guide.
This guide is not legal advice. It is here to help you feel more prepared, organised and confident.
Upload your EHCP and get a parent-friendly report flagging vague wording, missing sections and suggested amendments. Not legal advice.
An EHCP stands for Education, Health and Care Plan.
A good EHCP should:
An EHCP can be for a child or young person aged 0–25 who has special educational needs and may need support beyond what …
SEN means Special Educational Needs.
Special educational provision means support that is additional to or different from what is normally available to childr…
SEN Support is the support a school, nursery or college should provide without an EHCP.
An EHCP may be needed when:
No. Parents can request an EHC needs assessment themselves.
The legal test is deliberately low.
An EHC needs assessment can be requested by:
Parents can apply directly to the local authority.
A school can apply for an EHC needs assessment.
Useful evidence includes:
Use this structure:
Use strong, evidence-based wording.
Avoid wording that makes needs sound optional or mild.
Helpful wording:
Avoid describing behaviour as “naughty,” “manipulative,” “defiant” or “attention seeking.”
Parent, school or young person sends request to the local authority.
The local authority should decide whether to assess within 6 weeks.
The local authority gathers advice and information about the child’s needs.
This is called a refusal to assess.
This is called refusal to issue.
Mediation is a meeting with an independent mediator where parents and the local authority try to resolve disagreement.
The SEND Tribunal is an independent legal body that decides SEND disputes.
The usual appeal deadline is:
An EHCP has sections, usually A to K.
Section B says what the child’s special educational needs are.
Good Section F wording is:
Challenge wording such as:
Instead of:
Need:
Parents can request a particular school, college or type of setting.
Ask:
A reduced timetable should not be used as a long-term replacement for proper support.
EBSA means emotionally based school avoidance.
Autistic children may need support with:
Masking means a child hides their distress or differences to appear okay.
Behaviour should be linked to need.
An EHCP must be reviewed at least once every 12 months.
Parents can ask for an early review if:
If Section F provision is not being delivered:
Ask school to put it in writing.
Parents can apply themselves.
Parent views are powerful.
Child views can be gathered through:
My name is ______. I am ____ years old. I am autistic and I experience anxiety. I can find school hard even when I look …
Dear Local Authority SEN Team,
I disagree with the local authority’s refusal to carry out an EHC needs assessment.
I disagree with the local authority’s refusal to issue an EHCP following assessment.
I am requesting amendments to the draft EHCP because Sections B and F do not fully reflect my child’s needs and required…
The child requires adults who understand autistic communication, sensory processing, literal thinking, masking and emoti…
Use phrases like:
Response:
What evidence did you rely on?
What SEN Support is currently in place?
Before applying, gather:
When you receive a draft EHCP, check:
A strong EHCP should make it clear:
Notice your child is struggling.
An EHCP is not about blaming parents, children or schools.
Education, Health and Care Plan.
Keep everything in writing.