EHC plans (EHCPs)

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document setting out a child or young person's special educational needs, the provision required to meet those needs, and the educational placement where that provision will be delivered. EHCPs can remain in place until a person reaches the age of 25.

Contents of an EHCP

An EHCP is divided into sections, each covering a different aspect of the child or young person's needs and provision:

  • Section A: the views and aspirations of the child or young person and their parents
  • Section B: the child or young person's special educational needs
  • Section C: health needs relating to their SEN
  • Section D: social care needs relating to their SEN
  • Section E: outcomes sought for the child or young person
  • Section F: the special educational provision required
  • Section G: any health provision reasonably required
  • Section H: any social care provision
  • Section I: the name and type of educational placement
  • Sections J and K: personal budget information and advice and information received

Sections B, F, and I are the sections most commonly in dispute and are the sections that can be appealed to the SEND Tribunal.

Securing an EHCP

Following an EHC needs assessment, the local authority must decide whether to issue an EHCP. If it decides to issue a plan, it must send a draft EHCP to the parent or young person for consultation. Parents have 15 days to respond to the draft, request a particular school, and make representations about the content.

Where a parent disagrees with the local authority's decision not to issue an EHCP, or with the content of a draft or final EHCP, they have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

Annual reviews

Once an EHCP is in place, it must be reviewed at least annually. Annual reviews are an important opportunity to update the plan to reflect the child's current needs and changing circumstances. Local authorities are required to follow strict timescales in conducting annual reviews and must consult the child or young person, their parents, and their school.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. During the consultation period on a draft EHCP, you can request that a specific school be named in Section I. The local authority must name that school unless it is unsuitable for the child's age, ability, or special educational needs, or unless it would be incompatible with the efficient education of others or the efficient use of resources.
Section B sets out the child's special educational needs as identified through the EHC needs assessment. Section F sets out the educational provision required to meet those needs. Section F must be specific, detailed, and quantified — vague or unquantified provision in Section F is a common ground of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
An EHCP can remain in place until the young person reaches the age of 25, provided they remain in education or training. The local authority can cease to maintain an EHCP if it is no longer necessary, but this decision can be appealed.