What is an EHC Plan?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 who need extra help that goes beyond what schools or colleges can usually provide.

What is it for?

An EHCP:

Describes a child or young person’s special educational needs (SEN)

Sets out the support they need.

Names the school or setting they should attend.

Can also include support with health and social care needs.

Who is it for?

Children and young people with complex needs who:

Are not making expected progress with SEN support alone.

Need specialist help or provision in education, health, or care.

What it includes:

The child or young person’s views and aspirations

Their needs and outcomes

Details of specialist support

The school/college placement

Any relevant health or social care input

Why is it important?

It gives children and families legal rights to support.

It must be reviewed every year.

The local authority must deliver what’s written in it.

Here Are Our EHCP Need To Know Guides:

What is an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan?

A comprehensive guide for parents, carers, and young people on understanding what an Education, Health and Care needs plan is.

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Guide to Applying for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment

A extensive guide for parents, carers, and young people on applying for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment

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Understanding the Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs Assessment Process

A thorough guide for parents, carers, and young people on understanding the process of an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.

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Naming a School or Other Institution in Section I of an EHC Plan

A detailed guide for parents, carers, and young people on understanding how to name a school or educational setting in Section I of the Education, Health and Care needs plan.

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Annual Reviews of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans

A full guide for parents, carers, and young people on your rights, the legal duties of the local authority, and what to expect at each stage

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Personal Budgets in an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan

An overview guide for parents, carers and young people on what a personal budget is, how it works, and how to request one

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What Can I Do If I Disagree With Decisions About SEND (Special Educational Needs or Disability) Support?

A guide for parents, carers, and young people on resolving disagreements about special educational needs (SEN) and Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans.

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