What is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 in England who need more support than is available through SEN Support. It sets out:
- The child's needs (education, health, social care)
- The outcomes the support should achieve
- The specific provision the local authority must put in place
- The named school or setting
An EHCP is legally binding — the local authority must deliver the provision in Section F.
Step 1 — Request an assessment
Anyone can request an EHC needs assessment: a parent, the school, the young person (if 16+), or a health professional. Send a written request to your local authority's SEND team. Include:
- A short letter explaining why you believe an assessment is needed
- Evidence: school reports, IEPs, letters from professionals, examples of difficulties
The LA has 6 weeks to decide whether to assess.
Step 2 — If they refuse
You have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Around 96% of appeals against a refusal to assess are won by parents. IPSEA, SOS!SEN and your local SENDIASS offer free advice.
Step 3 — The assessment
If agreed, the LA gathers reports from:
- Educational psychologist
- School / early years setting
- Health (paediatrician, SALT, OT as relevant)
- Social care (if involved)
- You — your parental views are a required part of the assessment
You can also submit private reports.
Step 4 — Draft plan
Within 16 weeks of the original request, the LA must issue a draft plan or refuse to issue one. You then have 15 days to:
- Request changes to any section
- Name your preferred school in Section I
- Request a meeting to discuss the draft
Step 5 — Final plan
The final EHCP must be issued within 20 weeks of the original request. Once final, the named school must admit the child and deliver the provision.
Annual reviews
Every EHCP is reviewed yearly (every 6 months for under-5s). Reviews can recommend amendments, ceasing, or maintaining the plan.
Keep a SEND folder
- All letters, emails and reports in date order
- A running log of phone calls (date, who, what was said)
- Copies of all draft and final plans
- School communication and meeting minutes
Where to get help
- IPSEA — free legal advice on SEND law: ipsea.org.uk
- SOS!SEN — free helpline: sossen.org.uk
- SENDIASS — your local Information, Advice and Support service
- Contact — for families with disabled children: contact.org.uk