What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines a child’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the support they require in school. It also includes relevant information about their health and social care needs.

Most children and young people with SEN or disabilities will have their needs met through the support available within school. However, for those with more complex needs that cannot be met through ordinarily available provision, an EHC needs assessment may be necessary.

How do I get an EHCP for my child?

As mentioned, most children with SEND are supported through the school’s usual adaptations and interventions. For a child to be considered for an EHC needs assessment, a structured process must be followed:

Identification of Needs - The school identifies needs or difficulties. An Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle is implemented as part of the graduated approach.

Review of Support - After at least two full APDR cycles, if progress remains limited, the class teacher consults the SENDCo.

SENDCo Involvement - The SENDCo reviews the support in place and may suggest changes, additional strategies, or adding the child to the SEND register.

External Support - If progress is still limited, the SENDCo may involve external professionals for further assessment and advice.

Implementation of External Advice - Recommendations from professionals are implemented for a minimum of 6 weeks, followed by a review and possible further adjustments.

Parenting Support - Parents are encouraged to attend a recognised parenting course. Please refer to the parent support section of the school website.

Consideration for EHCP - If the child continues to present with significant needs that cannot be supported within ordinarily available provisions, the school may apply for an EHC needs assessment.

The Local Authority’s Statutory Assessment Team will review the application based on their criteria. Only a small number of children are granted an EHCP.

My child has been awarded an EHCP – what happens next?

Once an EHCP is approved, the Local Authority gathers input from professionals and the family to create a plan outlining the child’s desired outcomes. The class teacher and SENDCo will work together to implement support tailored to these outcomes.

This may include:

• Alternative provisions during parts of the school day
• Differentiated learning opportunities
• Targeted interventions

What about EHCP funding?

As part of the assessment, the Local Authority determines the level of funding required. The first £6,000 of any support comes from the school’s own budget. Any additional funding is provided in instalments throughout the year (a maximum of £10,528.20).

The school uses this funding to provide the most effective support possible, which may include:

• Additional adult support in lessons or activities
• Small group or 1:1 interventions
• Access to alternative provision resources
• Staff training to better meet the child’s needs

We no longer follow a 1:1 adult support model, as this is not considered best practice for children with complex needs. Instead, we build a team around the child, using the strengths of our staff to provide a more holistic and flexible approach.

Please note: Even when an EHCP is awarded full funding, the allocated amount has not increased in line with rising costs and growing needs. As a result, schools must use this funding strategically and creatively to provide the most effective support possible for each child. This often involves prioritising interventions and making the best use of available staff and resources.