What should be included
in an EHCP?

A Parent's Guide to What Should Be Included in Each Section of an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)

An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document that sets out a child or young person's special educational needs (SEN) and the support they require. Below is a breakdown of each section and what it should include.

Section A:

The Views, Interests, and Aspirations of the Child and Their Parents

  • The child or young person’s personal aspirations and goals for the future
  • Parents’ views on their child’s needs and aspirations
  • A summary of the child’s strengths, interests, and what is important to them
  • How the child communicates their feelings and preferences
  • Any additional information the family wants to include about their background and values

Section B:

The Child or Young Person’s Special Educational Needs (SEN)

  • A clear description of all the child’s identified SEN, covering:
    • Communication and interaction
    • Cognition and learning
    • Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties
    • Sensory and physical needs
  • Evidence from assessments by educational professionals (e.g., educational psychologist, SENCO)

Section C:

The Child or Young Person’s Health Needs Related to Their SEN

  • Any diagnosed medical conditions affecting their learning and daily life
  • Input from health professionals (e.g., paediatricians, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists)
  • Details of any medication, therapy, or ongoing treatments required

Section D:

The Child or Young Person’s Social Care Needs Related to Their SEN

  • Any social care needs arising from the child’s disability or SEN
  • Support required at home, in the community, or in short breaks
  • Information from social workers, family support services, or other agencies

Section E:

The Outcomes Sought for the Child or Young Person

  • Short-term and long-term goals for education, health, and care
  • Steps to help the child achieve their aspirations
  • Expected progress within specific timeframes

Section F:

The Special Educational Provision Required to Meet SEN

  • Detailed and specific educational support required, such as:
    • Teaching strategies
    • Interventions (e.g., speech therapy, sensory support)
    • Adjustments in school (e.g., extra time, assistive technology)
  • Named provision responsible for delivering support (e.g., school, specialist teacher)

Section G:

The Health Provision Required to Meet SEN

  • Any health-related services needed, such as:
    • Physiotherapy
    • Speech and language therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Mental health support
  • Who will provide these services and how often

Section H:

The Social Care Provision Required to Meet SEN

  • Support provided under the Children Act 1989 (e.g., short breaks, respite care)
  • Any personal budget or direct payment arrangements

Section I:

The Placement (Educational Setting) Named in the Plan

  • The specific school, college, or other setting where the child will receive education
  • The type of placement (e.g., mainstream, special school, resource base)

Section J:

Personal Budget (If Applicable)

  • Details of any personal budget allocated to support the provision in the EHCP
  • How the budget will be used and managed

Section K:

The Advice and Information Used in the EHCP’s Development

  • A list of all reports and assessments used to create the plan
  • Copies of contributions from parents, professionals, and other relevant sources

Final Notes for Parents

Make sure the EHCP is clear, specific, and fully reflects your child’s needs, with detailed support, clear responsibilities, and set timeframes. If any section is vague or does not adequately address your child’s requirements, request amendments to ensure the plan is as effective as possible. Regularly review the EHCP, at least annually, to confirm that all provisions are being implemented and remain appropriate. This guide is designed to help parents navigate the EHCP process and secure the best possible support for their child’s education, health, and development.

EHCP Tips and Support

“Until you have a child with additional needs, you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness”

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