Language you
DON'T want in an EHCP
EHCP Language: What to Avoid and Why It Matters
When reviewing your child’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), it’s crucial to ensure the wording is clear, specific, and enforceable. Vague language can lead to inadequate support and make it difficult to hold the local authority or school accountable.
Below are common phrases to watch out for and stronger alternatives to ensure your child receives the support they need.
Phrases to Avoid & What to Use Instead
🚫 "Access to..." or "Opportunities for..."
✅ Instead, specify the exact support, frequency, and provider.
Example:
Instead of:
“The child will have access to speech and language therapy.”
You’d want to see something like:
“The child will receive a 30-minute one-to-one speech and language therapy session every week with a qualified therapist.”
🚫 "As appropriate" or "If needed"
✅ Replace with clear requirements and defined responsibilities.
Example:
Instead of:
“Support will be provided if needed during lessons.”
You’d want to see something like:
“A teaching assistant will provide in-class support for all core subjects.”
🚫"Regular support" or "Frequent input"
✅ Be precise about how often the support will happen.
Example:
Instead of:
“The child will receive regular occupational therapy.”
You’d want to see something like:
“The child will receive a 45-minute occupational therapy session every two weeks, reviewed termly.”
🚫"Encouraged to..." or "Opportunities to..."
✅ Ensure strategies are a requirement, not just a suggestion.
Example:
Instead of:
“The child will be encouraged to use visual supports.”
You’d want to see something like:
“The child will use a visual schedule in all lessons, provided by the class teacher and reviewed weekly by the SENCO.”
🚫"Support where possible"
✅ Make the provision legally enforceable.
Example:
Instead of:
“The school will provide additional support where possible.””
You’d want to see something like:
“The school will provide a trained teaching assistant for 15 hours per week to support learning and social skills.”
Ensuring a Strong EHCP
A well-written EHCP should clearly define:
✔ Who is providing the support
✔ What support will be given
✔ Where it will take place
✔ When and how often it will happen
✔ How progress will be monitored
If the language in your child’s EHCP is vague or unclear, you have the right to request amendments before the final version is issued. Clear wording ensures that the support is legally binding and fully meets your child’s needs.
“Until you have a child with additional needs, you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness”
