Understanding the EHCP Process
A Parent's Guide
The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process can feel overwhelming. This guide explains each stage in plain English, so you know what to expect and what your rights are.
The Process, Step by Step
The entire EHCP process should take no more than 20 weeks from your initial request to the final plan being issued. Here is what happens at each stage.
Requesting an Assessment
- Who can request: you, your child’s school, or a professional involved in your child’s care.
- How: write to your local authority’s SEND team. You can do this at any time — you do not need the school’s permission.
- What to include: a description of your child’s difficulties, the support they currently receive, and why you believe they need more help.
- The local authority must respond within 6 weeks of receiving your request.
Decision to Assess
- The local authority decides whether to carry out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment.
- They must consider: does your child have or may have Special Educational Needs (SEN)? Is special educational provision needed beyond what the school can provide?
- If refused: you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. The decision letter must explain how to do this.
- If agreed: the assessment process begins.
EHC Needs Assessment
- Evidence is gathered from: parents, school staff (including the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator), educational psychologist, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, social care, and health professionals.
- You can — and should — submit your own evidence about your child’s needs and what works for them.
- Your child may be assessed at school or at a specialist centre, depending on the type of assessment.
Draft EHCP
- The local authority sends you a draft Education, Health and Care Plan.
- You have 15 calendar days to read it, comment on it, and request changes.
- This is the stage where you name your preferred school. You can request any maintained school, academy, free school, or independent special school.
- The local authority must consult with the school you name before making a decision.
Tip: Take time to read the draft carefully. You can ask for amendments before the plan is finalised.
Final EHCP
- The local authority issues the final Education, Health and Care Plan.
- The plan sets out: your child’s needs, the outcomes they should achieve, the provision that must be made, and the school placement.
- If you disagree with the final plan: you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal within 2 months of receiving it.
- The school named in the plan must accept your child, with limited exceptions.
Annual Review
- Education, Health and Care Plans must be reviewed at least once a year.
- You can request amendments to the plan at any time if your child’s needs change.
- The plan continues until your child reaches age 25, or until the outcomes set out in the plan have been achieved.
- Reviews should involve you, your child (where appropriate), the school, and any relevant professionals.
Your Rights
The Children and Families Act 2014 gives you specific legal rights throughout the EHCP process. Understanding these rights helps you advocate effectively for your child.
Equivalent Systems Across the UK
The EHCP process described above applies to England. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland each have their own systems for supporting children with additional needs.
Useful Organisations
These independent organisations provide free advice, support, and advocacy for families navigating the EHCP process and wider SEND system.
IPSEA
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice
Contact
For families with disabled children
Council for Disabled Children
National body for disabled children and those with SEN
National Autistic Society
Support and information for autistic people and families
SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND advice for parents and young people
Gov.uk SEND Guide
Official government guide to SEND support
SOS!SEN
Help with SEND Tribunal appeals and casework
Disability Rights UK
Leading charity for disability rights and independent living
Family Fund
Grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children