What is an education, health and care plan (EHCP)?
For some children and young people with SEND, the support that a nursery, school or college can provide is not enough to help them. These children and young people may need support through an EHCP.
An EHCP is a legal document. The plan outlines:
- the needs of the child or young person
- what they and their parents/carers want them to achieve
- the support they need
- and who will provide this support.
Most children and young people with SEN get the right level of support without the need for an EHCP. This is called Special Educational Nees (SEN) Support. EHCPs are for those whose SENs cannot be met by SEN Support.
An EHCP can be issued to a child or young person between the ages of 0 and 25 years. A child or young person must have an Euucation, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment to determine if an EHCP is needed.
The Council for Disabled Children have produced a guide to EHCPs [PDF 447KB]. The guide tells you about the law and what should be in each section of an EHCP.
Good to know
That your local Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities, Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) can help and support you through the EHCP process?
Visit the following Facebook groups and websites for support and information:
- Support for everything to do with EHCPs
- Special Needs Jungle website
- Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
If you wish to discuss your child's needs, or request an EHCP, please email:
SENDSubmission@cumberland.gov.uk or call:
01946 506 211 (Allerdale and Copeland)
01228 226 842 (Carlisle)