Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) funding is part of a national framework designed to ensure children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need to thrive.
While the structure of EHCP funding is consistent across England, local authorities may implement their own systems - such as matrix levels - to help allocate resources based on individual needs. It's important to understand that EHCP funding is not a standalone budget given directly to families, but rather a mechanism through which schools and settings receive additional support to deliver the provision outlined in a child's EHCP.
It's important to note that EHCP funding is not provided for children and young people who are electively home educated (EHE). While children and young people who are EHE can still have an EHCP, the responsibility for delivering the provision rests with the parent or carer, and funding is not allocated in the same way as it is for school-based education.
More information can be found in the High Needs Funding: 2025 to 2026 Operational Guide (GOV.UK).
Understanding EHCP Funding and Matrix Levels in Dudley
We understand that you may have questions about the funding associated with your child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), particularly in relation to funding and matrix levels. It's important to note that while matrix levels help determine the level of support a child or young person may require, the specific funding amounts linked to these are not shared directly with families.
This is because EHCP funding represents just one part of the overall educational funding package for children and young people, and it is managed directly by the school. Schools may use this funding flexibly, alongside other resources they receive, to deliver the support outlined in your child's EHCP. The focus remains on ensuring your child receives the provision identified in their plan, rather than on the specific financial figures.
If you have any questions about how your child's needs are being met, please contact your child's educational setting in the first instance. Families can also seek impartial advice and guidance from Dudley SENDIASS.
Last updated: 02/09/2025