Every child deserves an education that caters to their unique needs, abilities, and potential. For children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities, an Education, Health, and Care Plan ensures that they receive the support and services necessary to flourish academically and personally. 

Does Your Child Have SEN?

The EHCP process starts with identifying children and young people who may require additional support due to special educational needs or disabilities that can’t be met without an EHCP. This can be observations by parents, teachers, medical professionals, or formal assessments. Once the need for support is identified, a request is made to the LA to ask for a needs assessment. This can be done by filling out an application form on the local authority’s website or drafting a letter.

Requesting The Needs Assessment

Parents, carers, the school, or even the young person themselves (if over 16) can start the EHCP process by requesting a needs assessment from the local authority. This request prompts the local authority to evaluate whether an in-depth assessment is warranted. If the LA agree to assess, they will send professionals to assess the child/young person. If not, they may refuse to assess, and you have the option to appeal. You should have an answer within 6 weeks of applying.

The Needs Assessment

A thorough evaluation occurs if the local authority determines that an assessment is necessary. This assessment draws information from various sources, including parents, the individual, teachers, medical professionals, and experts like an Educational Psychologist or Speech Therapist, depending on the child/young person’s needs. Its purpose is to understand the child/young person’s needs and what provision is needed to meet those needs.

Drafting The EHCP

The coordinator will gather all supporting documents from the needs assessment and a panel will usually decide the outcome based on the assessment's findings if an EHCP is necessary. If so, a draft document will be created. This document outlines the child/young person’s specific needs, the desired outcomes, and the range of support and services required to meet those needs. The EHCP will also describe the educational setting best suited to meet the individual's needs

Making Representations On The Draft 

The draft EHCP is shared with parents and the child/young person (if applicable). This step allows you to make representations of the plan. You usually have 15 days from the date the draft plan is issued to name a setting and make those representations. EHCP 4 Kids offers a draft checking service which could support you with this.

Finalising the EHCP

Incorporating the feedback received, the local authority finalises the EHCP. At this stage, the document becomes legally binding, outlining the specific support, services, and accommodations the child or young person is entitled to receive. If you are unhappy with the provision or content of the plan, you have the right to appeal. The plan should be finalised within 20 weeks of making the needs assessment request.