EHC Assessments

EHC PlanThe Education, Health and Care (EHC) assessment is a detailed look at a child's special educational needs and the support that he/she may need in order for them to learn.

What is an EHC plan?

An EHC plan is a legal document that describes a child or young person's special educational, health and social care needs. It explains the extra help that will be given to meet those needs and how that help will support the child or young person to achieve what they want to in their life. The plan is drawn up by the local authority after an EHC needs assessment. An EHC plan can be issued to a child or young person between the ages of 0 and 25 years.

Who needs an EHC plan?

EHC plans are for children and young people whose special educational needs require more help than would normally be provided in a mainstream education setting (a college, school, nursery). Although the plan can include health or social care needs, your child will not get a plan if they only have health or social care needs that do not affect their education.

What does an EHC plan look like?

The plan has 11 sections labelled alphabetically:

  • A: The views, interests and aspirations of your child.
  • B: Special educational needs (SEN).
  • C: Health needs related to SEN.
  • D: Social care needs related to SEN.
  • E: Outcomes - how the extra help will benefit your child
  • F: Special educational provision (support).
  • G: Health provision.
  • H: Social care provision.
  • I: Placement - type and name of school or other institution.
  • J: Personal budget arrangements.
  • K: Advice and information - a list of the information gathered during the EHC needs assessment.

The plan should be written so that everyone can understand it. It should be clear and detailed about the amount and type of support your child will get and how the support will help your child.