SEND IASS - Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) factsheet

EHC Plans are for children and young people who have a special educational need or disability that cannot be met by the support that is available at their school or college via SEN Support. Most children and young people with special educational needs will have help given to them without the need for an EHCP. This is called SEN Support. The purpose of SEN support is to help children to achieve the outcomes or learning objectives that have been set for them. Some children and young people may not make the progress expected of them even with this help. When this happens, the local authority complete an EHC needs assessment.

The SEND Code of Practice states:

In considering whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary, the local authority should consider whether there is evidence that despite the early years provider, school or post - 16 institution having taken relevant and purposeful action to identify, assess and meet the special educational needs of the child or young person, the child or young person has not made expected progress. (9.14)

The Law states that if your child has or may have special needs and may need provision to be made via an EHCP; the local authority must conduct an EHC needs assessment. You do not have to prove that an EHCP is definitely necessary to obtain an assessment; you just have to show it may be necessary. If you think you child needs more help than the school can provide, you can ask for an assessment. Please see factsheet "Parents' guide to making an EHC Needs Assessment request" for more information.