What is an EHCP?

What does an EHCP do?

• Identifies a child or young person's special educational needs (SEN)
• Details the support they must legally receive
• Sets out outcomes that the child should work towards
• Brings together education, health and social care needs in one place

What's included in an EHCP?

An EHCP is structured into clearly defined sections, each with its own letter and purpose, to set out a child’s needs and the specific education, health and care provision required

Section A - the child's views and aspirations

Section B - their special educational needs

Section C - their health needs related to SEN

Section D - their social care needs related to SEN

Section E - sets out the long-term, measurable outcomes the plan is aiming to achieve

Section F - the exact educational provision required to meet section B

Section G - health care provision required

Section H - social care provision required

Section I - the named school or setting and type of setting

Section J - details of agreed personal budget

Section K - an appendix of all advice, information and reports gathered during the assessment process

What is the process for creating an EHCP?

1. A parent, school or young person (if over 16) requests an EHC needs assessment.
2. The Local Authority assesses whether the child’s needs go beyond what a school can provide.
3. If agreed, the Local Authority drafts an EHCP.
4. The plan must be reviewed annually, known as an Annual Review.

How long does the EHCP process take?

The EHCP process is governed by the legal timescale, which is defined under the Children and Families Act 2014. The entire process should take no more than 20 weeks from the time the Local Authority receives a request to the issuing of the final EHCP. 

Included in this time are 6 weeks for the Local Authority to decide whether to assess the child's needs and then upto an additional 14 weeks to complete the assessment, consult and then issue the final plan. 

1. Request for assessment (weeks 0-6)
2. EHC needs assessment (weeks 6-16)
3. Draft EHCP issued (by week 16)
4. School/setting consultation (usually 15 days)
5. Final EHCP issued (by week 20)
    

SEND term glossary  Frequently asked questions