What is an EHCP and how do I get one?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for an individual child or young person aged 0-25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which sets out a description of their educational, health and social care needs and the provision that must be implemented in order to help them achieve key life outcomes. It also includes information about the child or young person’s aspirations, and for those in Year 9 or above, information about preparation for adulthood.

EHCPs bring together practitioners from different agencies to contribute to a single assessment and plan for the child or young person. In Leeds, the Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment.

The majority of children and young people with SEND can have their needs met within their local mainstream school, early years setting, college or training provider through the setting’s existing resources without the need for an EHCP.

***Important Information***

Please note that significant changes are currently taking place across Leeds SEND and inclusion funding processes. You can read more about these changes on the SEND and Inclusion Transformation page of the Leeds SEND Local Offer website.

Who needs an EHC Plan (EHCP)?

EHCPs are for children and young people who have a special educational need or disability that cannot be met by the support that is generally available at school. Most children with special educational needs will have help given to them without the need for an EHCP. This is called SEN support. Some children may not make the progress expected of them even with this help. When this happens, the Local Authority carry out an EHC needs assessment. A few children have such significant difficulties or needs that an EHC needs assessment should not be delayed. You or school can ask the local authority to make an EHC needs assessment. When this assessment is finished, the local authority must decide whether to issue an EHCP.

Talk with our SENCo about the need for an EHCP as good communication and understanding help make the process more successful.