EHC Plans

Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans are central to every learner’s experience in specialist education.

As a legal document written and issued by the local authority, an EHC plan sets out a student’s individual needs and the additional support required to meet them.

Although we work closely with families and the local authority to help shape each plan, it is not fully within our control.

This page is designed to answer common questions, explain key processes, and guide you on what to do if your query is not covered or if you have any concerns.

Click on one of the below frequently asked questions to find its answer.

What is an EHC Plan?

Who can ask for an EHC Plan assessment?

How do I apply?

What evidence should I send?

How long does the application take?

What happens during the assessment?

What support could be provided?

Who writes the EHC Plan?

What is in an EHC Plan?

What is a personal budget?

What are my legal rights?

Can a school refuse to request one?

Can I appeal if it's refused by the local authority?

How often is the EHC Plan reviewed?

What should I do if support is not being delivered?

To submit a question you'd like answered, please click here.

WHAT IS AN EHC PLAN?

An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal support plan for children and young people, aged 0-25, who need more help than their school or college can usually provide because of, what are officially called, special educational needs or disabilities, known as 'SEND'.

EHC Plans are often referred to as an Education, Health and Care Plan or EHCP.

An EHC Plan clearly sets out:

Your child’s needs
The support they must receive
The outcomes (goals) they’re working towards

The support written in an EHC Plan is legally enforceable, it must be provided.

WHO CAN ASK FOR AN EHC PLAN ASSESSMENT?

Parents or carers are able to apply for an EHC Plan.

Others who can ask include:

A school or nursery
A young person 16-25
A health professional (e.g. a doctor)

You don't need the school's permission to apply.

HOW DO I APPLY?

You simply write (via email is fine) to your Local Authority SEND Team asking for an:

Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment

Include:

Your child's name and date of birth
Their school
Why you feel they need extra support
Any reports you already have

You don't need a diagnosis to apply.

WHAT EVIDENCE SHOULD I SEND?

Send anything that shows your child needs more support, such as:

Specialist support plans from school
School reports or behaviour logs
Letters from a paediatrician or GP
Speech and language therapy reports
Occupational therapy reports
Educational psychologist reports
Your own views (very important!)

Sometimes email providers have limits on attachments. Make sure to check the link is accessible if sharing via a cloud-based service (e.g. Dropbox or One Drive).

HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION TAKE?

The whole process should take no longer than 20 weeks from your request to the final EHC Plan.

Below are the main steps:

The Local Authority decides whether to assess (within 6 weeks)
Professionals give advice
Draft EHC Plan is shared with you
Final EHC Plan issued

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ASSESSMENT?

The Local Authority collects information from:

You (parent/carer)
Your child
The school
Educational psychologist
Health professionals
Social care (if needed)

They look at:

Learning
Communication
Social and emotional needs
Physical or sensory needs

WHAT SUPPORT COULD BE PROVIDED?

Depending on your child’s needs, this might include:

1:1 teaching assistant support
Specialist teaching
Speech and language therapy
Occupational therapy
Physiotherapy
Specialist equipment
Help with social care
A specialist school placement

WHO WRITES THE EHC PLAN?

A case worker at your Local Authority writes the EHC Plan using all the advice from professionals involved in your child’s assessment. They will also use information from parents.