Investigating an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)

An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document created by the local authority to ensure that a child with special educational needs (SEN) receives tailored support. This plan brings together educational, health, and social care services to address the child’s needs comprehensively, helping them reach their potential. For children struggling across multiple areas, applying for an EHCP might be essential to securing the resources they need.

Before starting the EHCP process, it may be necessary to conduct an Educational Psychologist (EP) evaluation to provide supporting evidence for the application. You can read more about EP evaluations here.

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Extra support

Need level

Investigating an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)

Investigating an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)

For students with a high level of need

Why this is important

For children with persistent challenges and low scores across various areas of learning, an EHCP can provide access to resources that are otherwise unavailable.

It ensures consistency and legal backing for support such as specialist teaching, therapy sessions, or additional classroom assistance. Without an EHCP, children with high levels of need may struggle to get the interventions required to thrive.

Recommended Steps

Conduct Initial Monitoring and Gather Evidence: Begin by closely monitoring the child’s progress and collecting evidence of their difficulties. This includes reports from teachers, SENCos, and specialists, along with results from tools like cognitive profiling or EP evaluations.

Understand Regional Guidance: Familiarise yourself with the EHCP application process in your area. Local authority websites often provide specific guidance on how to apply.

Engage with Parents and Professionals: If you’re a teacher or SENCo, work closely with the child’s parents to ensure everyone is aligned on the application process. Input from other professionals, such as speech and language therapists or healthcare providers, may also be needed.

Start the Application Process: Submit an application to the local authority, including all required documentation. Be sure to include clear evidence of the child’s needs and examples of interventions already tried and their outcomes.

Where to Go

Local authority websites are the best starting point for EHCP application details.

Organisations like IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) offer guidance and support throughout the EHCP process.
For additional professional evaluations or reports, resources like Patoss or the British Dyslexia Association can help connect you with specialists.

Expected Outcomes

Legal Protection: The EHCP guarantees the child will receive the agreed-upon support and resources, ensuring their needs are consistently met.
Access to Funding: The EHCP may unlock funding for additional services, including specialist teaching, therapy, or technology aids.
Tailored Support: The EHCP outlines a clear plan of action for meeting the child’s educational and developmental goals, making it easier for schools and parents to provide consistent help.
Long-term Benefits: The EHCP remains relevant throughout the child’s education, including transition stages, such as moving to secondary school or preparing for university.

An EHCP can be transformative for a child with high levels of need, providing them with the tools and support necessary to succeed both academically and personally. Starting the process early and ensuring robust evidence can help ensure the best outcomes.

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