
Obtaining an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) can feel like a long and daunting journey for parents and carers seeking support for a child's or young person's special educational needs. However, gaining an understanding of what is likely to be involved, how the system works, and the obstacles you might meet along the way can empower you to navigate it more confidently.
First steps
A good first step is to understand what an EHCP is. This legally binding document details the specific support an individual requires, addressing their educational, health, and social care needs, along with the necessary provisions to meet those needs. Designed for individuals up to the age of 25 with significant special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), an EHCP ensures that they receive personalised resources and interventions to help them succeed. Since it is legally binding, once the plan is established, the required support must be provided.
The initial step in the EHCP process involves submitting a written request for an assessment to your Local Authority (LA). This request can be made by a parent, a doctor, a school, a social worker, or another professional. It is essential to include evidence of the person's needs, such as reports from teachers, healthcare professionals, or therapists. The LA has six weeks to determine whether to proceed with the assessment and if your request is denied, you have the right to appeal. Information on how to appeal can typically be found on the local authorities' website.
Assessments
If the LA agrees to conduct an assessment, they will collect information from various professionals, including clinicians, parents, teachers, therapists, and healthcare providers. This comprehensive information is necessary to evaluate whether an EHCP is required and to identify the specific type of support needed. Importantly, the child or young person's perspective must also be considered, ensuring their voice is heard in the process.
Reviewing the plan
Once the assessment is finalised, the next step is for the LA to create a draft of the EHCP. You will have a chance to review this draft and propose any changes, so it’s important to examine the document carefully to ensure that all relevant information is included. The EHCP should outline the person's needs, the desired outcomes, and the support that will be provided. Check that the outcomes are specific, measurable, and realistic and that the proposed support is appropriate and adequate. Once you are satisfied with the EHCP, you will be asked to sign it, and recommendations for the person's provision will be made.
Typically, the individual's EHCP will be sent to several schools, so my advice would be to visit each school to form your own impressions. This will help you make an informed decision based on what you believe is best for them. Visiting the schools is always the most reliable approach because after all, you know the individual best. If you feel he or she has not been offered a suitable provision, you can challenge the decision.
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