An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines the specific support a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) will receive.
It covers education, health, and social care needs, detailing how these will be met to help them achieve their goals.
EHCPs are available for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who require more support than is available through the usual educational settings and resources. The EHCP will include:
- A description of the child’s/young person’s needs
- The support they require to achieve their outcomes
- The desired outcomes across education, health, and care
If despite receiving additional help through the graduated approach, your child has not made progress, you or your child’s education setting can request that the local authority (LA) complete an education, health and care needs assessment. The assessment will determine whether it is necessary to issue an EHCP.
An EHCP will be necessary where the assessment identifies that a child or young person requires access to specialist support or provision for a prolonged period to meet their special educational needs and to support them towards achieving greater independence in preparation for adulthood.
This does not mean that they will require access to a specialist education setting. Most children and young people will be able to access a mainstream school or college with additional support.
More information can be found in the SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years.