Important Facts About EHCPs
This article, written by Colin Foley, National Training Director from The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, explores key pieces of information surrounding the Education, Health and Care Plan.
What is an Education, Health and Care Plan?
Education, health and care plans (EHCPs) were introduced in 2014 as part of government reforms aimed at improving outcomes for people with SEND. EHCPs are designed to set out how educational, health and social care services will work to meet the needs of the child or young person.
Who produces them?
They are produced by local authorities and have replaced statements of special educational needs. EHCPs should include the views of parents and the children or young people.
What should the plan contain?
A plan should describe the child or young person’s special educational needs and any health and social care needs they have. EHCPs should also address the desired outcomes across Educational, health and social care for the child or young person.
Needs Assessments
A Needs assessment is carried out to decide whether a child or young person needs an EHCP. The assessment does not automatically mean that the child or young person will receive an EHCP, for example, a Local Authority may decide that a school, college, or other provider can meet the child or young person’s needs without one.
The assessment can be requested by a parent/ carer, a young person with SEND over the age of 16 or a representative from a school or other provider.
The length of the process
The process from making a request for an EHC assessment to receiving the completed plan should take no longer than 20 weeks.
Local Authorities decision
A local authority must decide whether or not to proceed with an EHC needs assessment and they must inform the child’s parent/carer or the young person within a maximum of six weeks of receiving the request.
If a local authority decides not to issue a plan after carrying out an assessment, it should inform the parents/carers or the young person within 16 weeks.
When a plan is agreed
If a local authority decides that a plan is to be produced, the child’s parent or the young person should be given 15 days to provide their views on a draft EHCP and ask for a particular school or other institution to be named in it.
Reviewing an ECHP
An EHCP should be reviewed annually.
EHCP Advice & Support
For more information on the Education, Health and Care Plan, download our Support Pack.