Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)
Some children with special educational needs (SEN) in England might need more help than a mainstream school or college can offer within Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. Students will need to get an Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment first to decide what help they need which can lead to an EHC plan.
What is an EHC plan?
An EHC plan is a legal document that describes a child or young person's special educational, health and social care needs. It explains the extra help that will be given to meet those needs and how that help will support the young person to achieve what they want in their life.
Find out more
How do I know if an EHCP is needed?
EHC plans are for children and young people whose special educational needs require more help than would normally be provided in a mainstream education setting (a college or school).
Although the plan can include health or social care needs, your child will not get a plan if they only have health or social care needs that do not affect their education.
An EHC plan can be issued to anyone between the ages of 0 and 25 years.
How do I get an EHCP or request one for my child?
EHC plans are drawn up by the local authority after an EHC needs assessment. You, your child's education setting or your child, if over 16, can ask your local authority to carry out an assessment.
What happens if I disagree with the assessment results?
Our specialist mediation and disagreement resolution service brings different parties together to work towards a positive outcome. Visit our SEND mediation and disagreement resolution page for more information