An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document in the UK that outlines the support a child or young person with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) requires to achieve their potential. EHCPs are not simply about education they are holistic plans that combine input from health and social care professionals. If you or your child has an EHCP, it entitles you to specific services and protections, ensuring access to resources that are tailored to your individual needs. Understanding what an EHCP entitles you to is essential for making the most of the support system available.
Overview of the EHCP
What Is an EHCP?
An EHCP is designed for children and young people up to the age of 25 who need more support than what is available through special educational needs support provided by schools. It replaces previous documents such as the Statement of Special Educational Needs and Learning Difficulty Assessments.
Who Qualifies for an EHCP?
To qualify for an EHCP, the child or young person must be assessed as having significant educational, health, or social care needs. The local authority carries out an assessment that involves schools, doctors, social workers, and other professionals. The plan is then created to specify the necessary support.
What an EHCP Entitles You To
Educational Support
One of the core entitlements of an EHCP is access to the educational resources and adjustments needed for learning. These include
- Individualized support within a mainstream school or special school
- Specialist teaching assistants or 1-to-1 support staff
- Tailored learning plans based on the student’s strengths and needs
- Assistive technology or learning tools
- Modified curriculum and classroom accommodations
The aim is to ensure that the child or young person can access the curriculum, make progress, and meet educational goals set out in the EHCP.
Health-Related Support
EHCPs also entitle you to specific health services if they are related to the educational needs of the child or young person. These may include
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Access to mental health services such as CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
- Nursing support within the school environment
These services must be specified in Section G of the EHCP, and they become a legal obligation for the health services provider to deliver.
Social Care Provision
Social care support included in an EHCP is focused on helping the child or young person live as independently as possible and take part in everyday life. This might include
- Short breaks for the family or carer
- Personal assistance at home or school
- Support with social integration or community participation
- Help with developing life skills
- Residential care arrangements, if needed
These services must be clearly outlined and are the responsibility of the local authority to provide.
Legal Protections and Enforcement
Legal Rights Under the EHCP
EHCPs carry legal weight, meaning that the services specified in the plan must be delivered. If a school, local authority, or health provider fails to provide the services, the parent or young person has the right to take legal action. This includes
- The right to appeal decisions through the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal
- The right to request an annual review of the EHCP
- The right to request a particular school or college in the EHCP
- The right to mediation services before appealing
Annual Reviews
The EHCP must be reviewed every 12 months to ensure it still meets the needs of the individual. During the review, progress is evaluated, and any necessary changes to support services or goals can be made. Parents, teachers, and professionals are all invited to participate in this process.
Entitlements Beyond School Age
Post-16 Support
EHCPs can continue to support young people up to the age of 25 if they remain in education or training. This includes college courses, apprenticeships, or supported internships. Entitlements include
- Specialist support in further education institutions
- Life skills and transition planning
- Employment training and work placements
Preparation for Adulthood
From Year 9 onwards, EHCPs must include planning for the transition to adulthood. This involves
- Support with independent living
- Access to employment or training pathways
- Health care planning and continuity
- Participation in community life
The goal is to help the young person develop autonomy and lead a fulfilling adult life.
Choosing the Right Educational Setting
Named Placement Rights
One of the most important entitlements under an EHCP is the right to request a particular educational setting. Parents or the young person can express a preference for
- Maintained mainstream schools
- Maintained special schools
- Academies or free schools
- Independent specialist colleges
The local authority must agree unless it can demonstrate that the requested setting would not meet the needs or would impact the efficient education of others.
Transport and Accessibility
Free Home-to-School Transport
If the EHCP specifies that a child must attend a school that is not the nearest to their home, or if they have mobility or safety needs, the local authority must provide free transportation. This ensures consistent attendance and access to education without placing a financial burden on the family.
Support for Parents and Families
Parental Involvement
Parents are key participants in the EHCP process. They are entitled to be consulted at every stage and must be provided with copies of reports and the draft plan before it is finalized. The local authority must consider parental views and evidence seriously.
Access to Advocacy and Advice
Families have the right to access independent advice and advocacy services, such as SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service). These services help parents understand their rights, navigate the EHCP process, and advocate effectively for their child’s needs.
Having an EHCP entitles a child or young person to a range of educational, health, and social care support tailored to their unique needs. It also brings legal protections and guarantees that those supports will be provided. From therapy services and school placement to life skills and future planning, the EHCP is a powerful tool that can make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with special educational needs. Understanding what an EHCP includes and the rights it confers helps families ensure they receive the support they deserve and enables young people to thrive across all areas of life.