EHCP

Navigating the process of obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in the UK can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential step for many children who need additional support to thrive in education. Here’s a guide for parents, outlining what you can do, what you should expect from schools, and how your child will be supported.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legally binding document that details the specific educational, health, and social needs of a child or young person up to the age of 25. It outlines the exact support they require and ensures that the local authority provides adequate resources and interventions.

Steps Parents Can Take:

1. Requesting an EHCP Assessment:

You can formally request an assessment by writing to your local authority. Clearly outline your child's special educational needs and provide supporting evidence from teachers, doctors, or specialists.

2. Gathering Evidence:

Document your child’s difficulties and the impact on their education, health, and daily life.
Collect reports from professionals (e.g., speech therapists, educational psychologists, paediatricians).

3. Engaging with Schools:

Regularly communicate with teachers and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
Attend all meetings and contribute actively to planning your child’s support.

4. Seeking Advice and Advocacy:

Access independent organisations such as IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) or SENDIASS for guidance and support.

Responsibilities of Schools:

Schools play a crucial role in supporting your EHCP application and implementing the plan:

Identification and Early Intervention: Schools should promptly identify children who may need additional support.
Working Collaboratively: Schools must engage positively with parents, health professionals, and the local authority throughout the EHCP process.
Providing Evidence: Schools should document interventions and their effectiveness, and clearly outline the support they have provided so far.
Implementation and Review: Once an EHCP is in place, schools must follow its provisions exactly and regularly review progress, adjusting support as necessary.

How Children Should Be Supported:

An EHCP places the child at the centre of all decisions. Support should be tailored specifically to their needs, including:

Specialist Interventions: Such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, or specific learning support.
Adaptations to the Learning Environment: Quiet spaces, sensory rooms, specialised equipment, or personalised learning plans.
Regular Reviews: Monitoring your child's progress with regular meetings involving parents, school staff, and relevant professionals to ensure outcomes are being met and adjust plans accordingly.

What if Things Go Wrong?

If the local authority refuses an EHCP assessment, or the plan provided is inadequate, parents have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Organisations like IPSEA can support you through this process.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Engaging actively with your child’s school, being proactive in gathering evidence, and seeking professional support and advocacy can significantly smooth the process. Your child deserves every opportunity to succeed, and an effective EHCP can be transformative.

For further advice and resources, explore additional guides and support at littlebigminds.uk.