An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legally binding document that sets out the support your child must receive. This guide covers everything: how to apply, what the assessment involves, what to do if refused, and how to find the right specialist.
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An EHCP covers three areas: education, health, and care. It is split into sections labelled A through K. The most important are Section B (your child’s special educational needs in full detail), Section F (the specific educational provision that must be made — the legally binding part), and Section I (the school or setting named in the plan).
EHCPs are most commonly issued for children with autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, learning disabilities, and physical or sensory impairments — but any significant need that cannot be met by standard school support can qualify.
An EHCP is not automatic for every child with SEND. It is for children whose needs are significant enough that they cannot be met through the usual SEN support schools provide. If your child’s school has been providing SEN support but things are not improving, it is worth exploring whether an EHCP assessment is the right next step.
Once you have requested a needs assessment, the local authority must complete the full process and issue a final plan within 20 weeks. Many authorities miss this deadline. Knowing your rights helps you push back if things are delayed. See our guide to the assessment process and timeline for the full week-by-week breakdown.
Yes. Parents and carers can request an EHC needs assessment directly from their local authority. You do not need the school to do it for you. You can also ask the school’s SENCO to make the request on your behalf. Read our full guide to how to apply for an EHCP.
No, but a private specialist report can significantly strengthen your case. Educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists can produce detailed reports that carry real weight during the assessment. See our guide to which specialists can support your EHCP.
You have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal (SENDIST). Before doing that, you must contact a mediation adviser and obtain a certificate. Then you can register your appeal within 2 months of the refusal letter. The majority of families who appeal win. Our guide to EHCP refusals walks through every step.
The plan must be reviewed at least once a year in what is called an annual review. You can also request an emergency review if your child’s needs change significantly. Our guide to the EHCP annual review explains how to prepare and what to push for.
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