The Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a document that supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

It outlines the additional support a learner requires in education and ensures they receive the right resources to help them succeed

What is an ehcp?

An EHCP is designed for learners who are aged between 0–25 years old, who need more support than what a school or college can typically provide. It identifies the learner’s needs and details the education, health, and social care support they are entitled to. The goal is to help learners reach their full potential in school and beyond. 

How Does an EHCP Work?

For an EHCP Assessment: Parents, carers, schools, or professionals can request an assessment through the local authority.

For the assessment process: The local authority will gather information from teachers, healthcare professionals, and specialists to determine if the learner qualifies for an EHCP.

If approved, the EHCP will outline:

  • The learner’s specific needs.
  • The support required. This could include one-to-one help, therapy, or assistive technology.
  • The educational setting which is best suited for them.
The EHCP is reviewed annually to ensure it continues to meet the learner’s needs.

Why is an EHCP Important?

  • It ensures learners with SEND receive the right support in school.
  • It provides legal protection, guaranteeing access to resources.
  • It helps with long-term planning for education, health, and future independence.
  • It can be shared amongst all education providers and legal guardians to ensure consistent support across the board.
  • It supports a smooth transition between different stages of education.

EHCPs for Multilingual Learners

The Learning Compass can support you if English is not your first language. We understand that the process can be confusing and hard. The Learning Compass can support multilingual families by:

  • Explaining the process in your preferred language.
  • Helping with applications and paperwork in a clear, accessible way.
  • Ensuring tutors understand educational needs and language barriers.
  • Providing cultural support to respect different backgrounds.

FAQs

If you have a question, you might find your answer below.  This section covers a wide range of topics, including account setup and premium membership benefits.

 

FAQs

1. Who qualifies for an EHCP?

Children and young people who are aged between 0 to 25 years old. They may have physical needs and need special arrangements in the classroom or workplace. Or they may have educational, health, or social care needs that require extra support beyond what a school can normally provide.

2. How long does it take to get an EHCP?

The entire process can take up to 20 weeks from the initial request to receiving the final plan. However, since COVID-19, local councils have been busy with requests and applications so it may take a lot longer.

3. Can an EHCP help if my child struggles with English?

Yes! Language barriers can make learning more difficult, and an EHCP can include support such as bilingual teaching assistants or additional language learning resources.

What if my EHCP application is denied?

You have the right to appeal the decision and request further assessments. Seeking advice from SEND professionals can be helpful.

5. Can tutoring help alongside an EHCP?

Yes! Tutoring provides extra support tailored to the learner’s goals which helps with with academic progress and confidence-building.