WHY GET AN EDUCATION, HEALTH AND CARE PLAN (EHCP)?

An EHCP, or Education, Health and Care Plan, is a legal document that outlines the special educational needs of a child or young person in England. It sets out the support that the child or young person needs in order to access education.

What are the benefits of getting an EHCP?

There are many benefits to getting an EHCP for a child or young person with special educational needs. These benefits include:

• Access to specialist support: An EHCP can provide access to a range of specialist support services, such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
• A tailored education: An EHCP can help to ensure that a child or young person receives an education that is tailored to their individual needs. This may include support in the classroom, access to specialist resources, or a place at a special school.
• Improved outcomes: An EHCP can help to improve the outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs. This may include improved academic achievement, better social and emotional skills, and greater independence.

Who is eligible for an EHCP?

Children and young people aged 2 to 25 are eligible for an EHCP if they have a learning difficulty or disability that makes it difficult for them to access education. This may include children and young people with:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia
• Down syndrome
• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Visual or hearing impairment
• Speech and language difficulties
• Physical disabilities
• Medical conditions that affect their ability to learn

How to apply for an EHCP

Parents or carers can apply for an EHCP for their child or young person by contacting their local authority. The local authority will then carry out an assessment of the child or young person's needs. If the assessment finds that the child or young person has a learning difficulty or disability that makes it difficult for them to access education, the local authority will issue an EHCP.

What happens after an EHCP is issued?

Once an EHCP is issued, the local authority will work with the child or young person's parents or carers to develop a plan for how the child or young person's needs will be met. This plan will include details of the support that the child or young person will receive, such as specialist teaching, therapy, or assistive technology.

The local authority will also review the EHCP annually to make sure that it is still meeting the child or young person's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between an EHCP and a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN)?

An EHCP is a new type of legal document that replaces Statements of SEN. EHCPs are more detailed and comprehensive than Statements of SEN, and they include a wider range of support services.

• Who can apply for an EHCP?

Parents or carers can apply for an EHCP for their child or young person if they have a learning difficulty or disability that makes it difficult for them to access education.

• How long does it take to get an EHCP?

The process of getting an EHCP can take several months. However, the local authority must make a decision on whether or not to issue an EHCP within 20 weeks of receiving the application.

• What happens if I disagree with the local authority's decision about my child's EHCP?

If you disagree with the local authority's decision about your child's EHCP, you can appeal the decision to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST).

• Where can I get more information about EHCPs?

You can get more information about EHCPs from your local authority, the Department for Education, or the National Autistic Society.