Guiding You Through the Education, Health and Care Plan Process
The process of obtaining an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) can feel like a long and daunting journey for parents and carers seeking support for their child’s special educational needs.
But gaining an understanding of what is likely to be involved, how the system works and the obstacles you might meet along the way can empower you to navigate it more confidently.
A useful starting point is to grasp what an EHCP actually is. It is a legally binding document that sets out the precise support a child or young person requires, outlining their educational, health, and social care needs, and what is needed to meet them. It’s intended for individuals up to the age of 25 with significant special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), an EHCP ensures that your child receives tailored resources and interventions to help them thrive. Because it is legally binding, once the plan is written, the support has to happen.
The first step in the EHCP process is simply a written request for an assessment from your Local Authority (LA). This can be done by the parent, your doctor or even your school or social worker or other professional. At this point, you should include evidence of your child’s needs, such as reports from teachers, healthcare professionals, or therapists. The authority then has six weeks to decide whether to proceed with the assessment, and you have the right to appeal if your request is refused. It’s important to note there will be information on how to appeal on LA websites.
If the LA agrees to an assessment, they will gather information from a wide range of professionals, including clinicians, parents, teachers, therapists, and healthcare providers. This is because a lot of information needs to be gathered to decide whether an EHCP is needed and is crucial for identifying the type of support required. And of paramount importance, the child must be asked for their view too, so their wishes and needs are accommodated as part of the process.
The next stage, once the assessment is complete, is for the LA to draft the EHCP. There will be the opportunity for you to review the draft and suggest changes, so take care in reviewing the document thoroughly, as you’ll be keen for everything of relevance to be included. This document should detail your child’s needs, desired outcomes, and details of the support that will be provided – be sure that any outcomes are specific, measurable and realistic, and that the support proposed is appropriate and sufficient. When parents are happy with the EHCP, they will sign it off and a provision for your child is suggested.
Your child’s EHCP will usually be sent to a number of schools, so parents should take time to go to every school so you can form your own opinion first-hand, and make your decision based on what you think is best for your child. Often parents will be exposed to rumours or anecdotes about schools, so seeing for yourself is always the best option. After all, you know your child better than anyone and will know what best suits them, so trust your instincts.
If you feel your child isn’t being offered the right provision, you can challenge the decision. Challenges and obstacles are something which is discussed in depth in our series of podcasts called Autism Unpacked. Each episode covers a different subject, and they’re a mine of information, advice and guidance for parents and caregivers. You can find the episode which talks about navigating the EHCP process – and all other episodes – here.
The podcast is an uplifting and informative conversation, which is useful because while the EHCP process can feel overwhelming, it’s also an essential pathway to securing the support your child needs. And it’s a useful reminder that you’re not alone—there are resources, professionals, and other parents who can help you. Your advocacy can make all the difference in ensuring your child receives the help they deserve.
You can find more about the EHCP process here.
The National Autistic Society also provides guidance here.