An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support.
EHCPs identify educational, health and social needs and set out the additional support to meet those needs.
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is a legal document for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years who are in education or training. The plan is created after an Education, Health and Care needs assessment, which is carried out to determine whether an EHCP is required.
An EHCP describes the:
- needs of the child or young person
- support required to help them achieve their long-term and short-term goals
- additional funding needed to meet those needs
The EHCP also outlines:
- a named school, college, or other educational setting where the child or young person will be supported
- the specific educational provisions, therapies, and services that will be provided.
Who needs an EHCP?
An EHCP may be needed if a child or young person either:
- has special educational needs that cannot be met through the usual school-based resources
- requires special educational provision to help them meet their goals and aspiration
Before an EHCP can be issued, the local authority must carry out a needs assessment to decide whether the plan is necessary.
The Council for Disabled Children has produced a helpful video explaining EHCPs and who they are for. This video provides an overview of the EHCP process and the support available.
How to request an EHC needs assessment
To request an EHC needs assessment, you can write or email the local authority.
The local authority must decide whether to carry out the assessment within six weeks of receiving the request.
More information:
- SEND Local Offer website - Education, Health and Care Plans
- IPSEA website - EHC plans, EHC needs assessments and SEND tribunal appeals