What is an EHCP? A plain-English guide for parents

An education, health and care plan (EHCP) sets out a child or young person’s special educational needs and the support they need. It can also include health and social care needs and provision. It is a legal document, rather than simply a description of a diagnosis.

This guide covers England. Other UK nations have different systems. Guidance checked on 27 September 2026; this is general information, not advice on an individual case.

SEN support and an EHCP are different

Schools provide SEN support for pupils with special educational needs. An EHCP is for children and young people who need support beyond what is available through SEN support. Asking the school about help and asking the local authority about an assessment are separate conversations. GOV.UK explains SEN support.

Start with what is difficult for your child: understanding instructions, joining activities, communicating, or getting through the school day. Then ask what support is being provided and how its effect is being reviewed.

An assessment comes before a plan

You can request an EHC needs assessment from your local authority. The assessment gathers information; agreeing to assess does not automatically mean a plan will be issued.

The assessment test asks whether a child or young person has, or may have, special educational needs and whether they may need special educational provision through an EHC plan. You can make a request even if the school disagrees. Keep a copy and a record of when it was received. IPSEA explains the assessment test and how to request an assessment.

What should you collect?

Bring together a few useful records rather than trying to write your child’s entire history:

• Your child’s views, in the way they prefer to communicate.
• Specific examples of difficulties and what helps.
• The school’s support plans and reviews.
• Relevant reports you already have.
• Questions about needs that have not yet been understood.

Separate what you observed from what somebody told you. Include strengths and interests too: your child is more than a list of difficulties. Our paper-trail guide and template can help you organise this.

Understand the main stages

The local authority normally has six weeks to decide whether to assess. If it proceeds and issues a plan, the overall process normally takes no more than 20 weeks from receipt of the assessment request, subject to legal exceptions. You must be given at least 15 days to comment on a draft plan. Read the decision letters carefully and keep the dates together. See IPSEA’s assessment guidance and GOV.UK’s overview of the plan process.

When reading a draft, ask whether it makes your child’s needs and proposed support understandable. Note anything missing or unclear and seek advice before assuming wording is sufficient.

If the answer is no

A refusal to assess or issue a plan can be challenged. Read the letter’s appeal and mediation information promptly: time limits apply. IPSEA’s assessment hub explains the different stages and routes to further help.

One manageable next step

Write down the main difficulty your child faces, what help is in place, and what is still not working. Use those three points to prepare a conversation with the school using our SENCO meeting checklist.