What Is an EHCP and Does My Child Need One?
If your child has additional needs and you’re wondering whether they’re getting the right support in school, you’ve probably come across the term EHCP. It might sound complicated at first, but understanding what an EHCP is and whether your child might benefit from one is a really helpful place to start.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who have special educational needs that require more support than a school or college can usually provide through SEN Support. It brings together detailed information about your child’s needs, the support they require, the outcomes they’re working towards, and what education, health and social care services will do to help.
The aim of an EHCP is to make sure your child receives the right help in the right way, whether that’s within a mainstream setting with additional support or in a specialist provision. It offers a more joined-up and legally protected approach to meeting complex needs.
Before applying for an EHCP, schools and settings are expected to follow what’s known as the graduated approach. This means identifying needs early and supporting your child through a cycle known as assess, plan, do, review. In practice, this involves assessing your child’s difficulties, planning appropriate support, putting that support into action, and reviewing how effective it has been. This cycle should happen more than once and be clearly documented. If your child is still not making progress despite well-planned, targeted support, it may be time to consider whether an EHCP is appropriate.
It’s always a good idea to speak to the school’s SENCo first. They should be able to explain what support is already in place, share evidence of progress, and work with you to decide whether an EHCP might be the next step.
Not every child with SEND needs an EHCP. Many children are well supported at SEN Support level with adjustments made by their school. But if your child needs frequent one-to-one or highly personalised support, isn’t making expected progress even with help in place, requires input from external professionals like therapists, or struggles significantly with learning, communication, or emotional regulation, then an EHCP may be appropriate.
One of the most important things to understand about an EHCP is that it’s legally binding. Once it’s in place, the local authority must provide the support outlined in the plan. It also gives you more say in decisions about your child’s education, including school placement, specialist teaching, and access to therapies. It ensures your child’s support is clearly documented, regularly monitored, and formally reviewed, so their needs aren’t left to chance.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to apply. This is a common misunderstanding. While a diagnosis can help build a clearer picture of needs, it’s not a requirement. What matters most is whether your child’s needs can be met without significant additional support beyond what schools are expected to provide.
Parents, carers, and young people over 16 can request an EHC needs assessment directly from their local authority, you don’t need to wait for the school to do it. The process follows legal timelines, and you have rights at every stage.
An EHCP can also be really important for young people after they turn 18. If they’re still in education and need support to complete their learning, their EHCP can continue until the age of 25 or until they complete a Level 3 course if this is sooner, such as A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent vocational programmes. The plan and its funding don’t automatically stop at 18, which can be crucial for young people who need a bit more time and support to build their skills and confidence.
An EHCP isn’t a quick fix, but it can be a powerful tool to make sure your child has the right foundations to learn, grow, and thrive. It can give you peace of mind knowing that support is in place, not just for now, but for the future.
If you’re thinking about an EHCP but you’re not sure if it’s necessary or whether you’re at the right stage, feel free to get in touch. I offer a free 15-minute phone call to help you talk it through and decide what steps to take next , no pressure, just honest advice.
Best wishes,
Bryony