If you have a child or young person with SEN (they have a learning difficulty or disability) they may sometimes require a level of support that is more intensive than the resources usually available in their school. In such a case, you or your child's school could consider asking the Local Authority to undertake an Education, Health and Care needs assessment which could lead to your child receiving an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP).
What is an Education, Health and Care Plan?
An EHCP brings together your child's education, health and social care needs into a single plan which is a legal document. Your child must have special educational needs to be eligible for a plan.
An Education, Health and Care Plan will describe the needs of the child or young person, the services required to meet those needs and the suitable educational placement. It will be developed in partnership with you and your child or young person and will be carried out within 20 weeks of the needs assessment.
How do I apply for an EHC Plan?
A parent or young person would need to submit a written request to the Local Authority asking for a formal assessment to be carried out. The written request will need to contain information about which agencies are currently involved in working with the child or young person.
Who decides whether a child needs an EHC Plan?
The Local Authority will make the decision as to whether a child or young person needs an ‘Education, Health and Care Plan’. The process leading to this decision will however be shorter (maximum 20 weeks) and more child/young person and family-focussed.