What an EHCP is
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that sets out a child or young person's special educational, health and social needs and how those needs should be met. It sets outcomes that the child or young person wants to achieve in life.
They are regularly reviewed to make sure the support your child receives is working for them.
When an EHCP can help
For most children, all schools have resources that can support them. In Essex you can use a One Plan to help make a long-term plan of action for your child.
But, some children and young people (aged up to 25) need more help than is available through special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support.
Consider asking your local authority for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment if your child:
- has high support needs
- a life-long disability
- is receiving support from a wide range of services
- is not making progress even though the support is increasing in type and amount
You do not need a medical diagnosis to apply for an EHCP.
How often EHCPs are reviewed
Your local authority must review your child’s EHCP at least every 12 months.