An Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan is a legally binding document that provides tailored support to children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It ensures that their educational, health, and social care provisions are coordinated and meet their specific needs, enabling them to thrive in their education and beyond.
Who Needs an EHC Plan?
EHC plans are for children, young people, and adults who require more support than standard educational provisions can offer. This includes those with:
- Learning disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Emotional and mental health challenges
- Social and communication needs
If your child is experiencing any of these challenges, an EHC plan can provide the necessary resources and support to help them succeed.
How Do You Qualify for an EHCP?
To qualify for an EHC plan, a child or young person must have significant and ongoing special educational needs or disabilities that cannot be fully supported by mainstream educational provisions. The eligibility is assessed based on the severity of their needs, considering educational, health, and care factors. The local authority evaluates this through reports and assessments from the child’s school, healthcare providers, and other professionals.
The EHCP Process
1. Requesting an EHC Assessment
Parents, carers, or professionals can request an EHC assessment from the local authority. The local authority then decides whether to proceed with an assessment, which typically takes up to 6 weeks.
2. Assessment and Issuing the Plan
If the request is accepted, the local authority has up to 20 weeks to complete the assessment, develop a draft plan, and issue the final EHC plan. Parents and carers have 15 days to review and comment on the draft.
3. Appealing a Decision
If the local authority denies the assessment or disagrees with key aspects of the plan, families can appeal the decision to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal.
4. Personal Budgets
Some families may be eligible for a personal budget, allowing them more control over how the allocated funding is spent, either managed by the local authority or a third party.
Key Sections of an EHC Plan
An EHC plan includes twelve key sections to ensure the child’s needs are fully addressed. These include:
- Section A: The views and aspirations of the child and their family
- Section B: The child’s special educational needs (SEN)
- Section C: Health care needs linked to SEN
- Section D: Social care needs related to SEN or disability
- Section F: Special educational provisions required
- Section I: The named school or educational setting
- Section J: Any direct payments for services
Supporting Families Through the EHCP Process
The process of obtaining an EHC plan can be complex, but there are resources available to guide families through it. Independent supporters, advocacy services, and legal advisors can help families navigate the legal aspects of the plan and address any challenges with local authorities.
How an EHC Plan Can Help Your Child
An EHC plan offers crucial support, including:
- Personalised Education: Tailored teaching methods, additional support, and accommodations to meet your child’s needs.
- Specialist Therapies: Access to services like speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health support.
- Specialist Equipment: Provision of assistive technology or personalised learning materials to support learning and development.
These supports are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to meet the child’s evolving needs and help them achieve their potential.
How Long Does an EHCP Last?
An EHCP lasts until the child or young person turns 25 or completes their education, but it does not cover university education. If you move to a new area, the EHCP can be transferred to the new local authority (LA). Within 6 weeks of moving, the new LA will review the plan to determine if it needs to be amended. If changes are made, you have the right to appeal the decision.
The Annual Review
EHCPs are reviewed at least once a year to ensure they continue to meet the child’s needs. The review involves the family or carer, the school or college, and the local authority. After the review, the local authority may decide to leave the plan unchanged, end the EHCP if it’s no longer necessary, or make changes to the plan.
The review process allows families to raise any concerns, and the school or college must submit a report to the local authority within 10 days. The local authority then has one month to decide on any changes, and if changes are made, families can appeal the decision.
How Horizon Can Support Families with an EHC Plan
At Horizon, we are dedicated to ensuring every child with an EHC plan receives the care and education they deserve. Our services are designed to complement and enhance the provisions outlined in your child’s plan. We provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can flourish and thrive.
Our expert teams work closely with families, local authorities, and professionals to ensure that all aspects of your child’s EHC plan are implemented effectively, ensuring they receive the best possible opportunities to succeed.
If you are looking for a supportive Specialist School or Supported Accommodation Service where your child’s needs are fully met, Horizon is here to help. For more information about how we can support your child, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
The following resources offer parents, carers, and professionals more detailed and authoritative guidance:
- GOV.UK: Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Official government guidance on EHC plans, including eligibility, the assessment process, and how to request one. - SEND Code of Practice
This is a statutory guidance document for organisations working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It provides detailed information on EHC plans, the process, and the legal framework. - SENDIASS: Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP. A nationwide network offering free, impartial, and confidential advice and support for families of children with SEND. They provide valuable resources for understanding EHC plans.
- Contact – Support for Families of Disabled Children
Contact is a charity providing advice and support for families with disabled children, including information on EHC plans, the application process, and how to get support.
