An Education, Health and Care Plan sets out a way of working for children and young people with more complex special educational needs and disabilities and where an EHC needs assessment has been agreed by a multi-agency panel.
From 1 September 2014, Statements were replaced by Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans. These plans have the same legal status as Statements of SEN and cover the age range 0 to 25.
An EHCP is for children and young people who need more support than their school or setting can reasonably provide. An EHCP can start from a child’s birth and continue up to the age of 25 if the young person remains in education, which includes further education and training.
The plan looks at all the aspirations and needs that a child or young person has within education, health and care. Professionals and the family together through a co-ordinated single assessment decide what outcomes are required, and through joint working identify what is needed to achieve those outcomes.
As part of an EHC Plan, a child's parent or the young person will have the right to request a Personal Budget to meet an assessed need within an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan).
The provision set out in the EHC Plan has to be provided. Parents have the right of appeal to a tribunal if they are not happy with the education provision.
Why is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) needed?
A request for an Education, Health and Care Plan is likely to happen where special educational provision currently being made for them by their early years setting, school or college from their own resources, is not enabling the child or young person to make adequate progress.
EHCP will:
- Help in securing the services, provision and equipment required by children and young people with Special Education Needs (SEN) or disabilities.
- Supporting disabled children and young people and those with SEN in moving between phases of education and preparing for adulthood and independent living.
Can parents/carers/young people name a school of their choice within an EHCP?
Parents or the young person should name the setting they wish to attend within the EHC Plan. It is the Local Authority's duty to ensure the necessary provision is delivered, and the plan should be reviewed at least on an annual basis.
What does an Education Health Care Plan look like?
Every EHC Plan is personalised to meet the needs and outcomes for each child or young person. Our template will give you an idea of what the plan looks like.
View a blank template of an EHC Plan.