EHCP

Getting Help with EHCPs in the UK: A Guide for Parents, Children, and Schools

Navigating the world of special educational needs can be a challenge, especially when your child needs extra help at school. If you’re a parent or carer in the UK, you might have heard about Education, Health and Care Plans, commonly known as EHCPs. This guide is here to support you, explain what an EHCP is, and give clear advice on what you, your child, and their school can do every step of the way.

What Is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people up to the age of 25 who need extra support at school, college, or nursery. It’s designed to make sure children with significant or complex needs get the right help for their education, health, and social care.

EHCPs replaced the old “Statements of SEN” in 2014. They set out:

The child’s needs
The support required
The outcomes hoped for

Who Needs an EHCP?

Not every child with additional needs will need an EHCP. Many children get help through SEN Support at school, which might include things like small group work or specialist equipment. An EHCP is for those who need more help than the school can provide through their usual resources.

What Parents Can Do

If you believe your child needs an EHCP, you are not alone. Many parents feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you can do:

1. Understand Your Rights

You have a legal right to request an EHCP needs assessment for your child. This is true whether or not the school agrees with you.

2. Talk to the School

Start by talking with your child’s teacher or the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Explain your concerns and ask what support is already in place.

3. Collect Evidence

Keep a record of your child’s needs, progress, and any assessments or reports from professionals (e.g., speech therapists, psychologists, doctors). This can include:

School reports
Letters from teachers
Health professional assessments
Your own notes about your child’s difficulties and strengths

4. Request an EHC Needs Assessment

You can write to your local authority (LA) to ask for an EHC needs assessment. You do not need the school’s permission, although it helps if the school supports your request.

Clearly state why you believe your child needs an EHCP
Attach evidence where possible

Your LA must reply within six weeks to say whether they will carry out the assessment.

5. Work with the Professionals

If the LA agrees, they will gather information from you, the school, and health and care professionals. Make sure your voice—and your child’s—is heard.

6. Review the Draft Plan

If the LA decides to issue an EHCP, you’ll get a draft to check. Read it carefully and ask for changes if something isn’t right or important details are missing.

7. Appeal if Needed

If the LA refuses to assess, or if you’re unhappy with the plan, you have a right to appeal. Seek advice from organisations like IPSEA, SENDIASS, or your local parent support group.

8. Look After Yourself

It’s normal to feel stressed or worried during this process. Take time for yourself, talk to friends, and seek support. Websites like www.littlebigminds.uk offer advice and a listening ear.

What Children and Young People Can Do

Children and young people have a right to be involved in decisions about their support. Here’s how they can be part of the process:

1. Share Their Views

Encourage your child to talk about what helps them, what’s hard, and what they’d like to achieve. Schools and councils should listen to their voice and reflect it in the EHCP.

2. Ask Questions

It’s okay for children to ask teachers or SENCOs about their support or the EHCP process. Having their questions answered can help them feel less anxious.

3. Get Support

Some areas have young people’s advocacy or mentoring services—someone who can explain things or speak up for them if needed.

4. Focus on Strengths

Remind your child that an EHCP is about helping them succeed. Focus on their strengths and the things they enjoy as well as what they find difficult.

What Schools Should Do

Schools play a vital role in supporting children with special needs. Here’s what they should do:

1. Identify and Assess Needs Early

Teachers and SENCOs should spot difficulties and put support in place early. They should use “assess, plan, do, review” cycles to see what works.

2. Communicate with Families

Regular, open conversations with parents are key. Families should be kept up to date and involved in all decisions.

3. Provide SEN Support

Before an EHCP is considered, schools must do all they can to support a child using their own resources. This might include:

Small group work
Specialist teaching
Equipment or technology
Extra adult help

4. Support the EHCP Process

If an EHCP is needed, schools should help gather evidence and provide information. SENCOs are a great point of contact.

5. Put the EHCP into Practice

Once an EHCP is issued, schools have a legal duty to deliver the support written in it. Regular reviews should check the child is making progress.

Where to Get More Help

You are not alone in this journey. There are lots of organisations that offer free advice, information, and emotional support, such as:

IPSEA – Legal advice on SEN and EHCPs.
Contact – Support for families with disabled children.
SENDIASS – Local advice and information services.
Local Parent Carer Forums – Groups run by and for parents to share information and campaign for better support.

Final Thoughts

Getting help with an EHCP can feel like a long and complicated process, but remember—this is about making sure your child gets the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Take things one step at a time, keep asking questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember that there are people and organisations ready to support you and your child. You’re doing your best, and that’s what matters most.