How to Get an EHCP: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
When I first heard the term EHCP, it sounded like yet another piece of educational jargon to decode. (Somewhere between an alphabet soup and a puzzle box.)
If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process can feel long, technical, and full of paperwork — but it’s also one of the most powerful tools families have to get meaningful, individualised support for their child.
This guide will take you through what happens, when to ask, and how to stay calm (ish) along the way.
Step 1: Understanding What an EHCP Actually Is
An EHCP is a legal document that describes a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support they require, and the outcomes everyone is working towards.
It’s more than just a form. It’s a promise — between families, schools, and local authorities — to meet a child’s needs in a coordinated, evidence-based way.
And because it’s legally binding, it gives families a real voice in shaping support that works in the real world — at home, in school, and beyond
Step 2: Know When to Apply
You can request an EHCP at any time, even if your child isn’t in a specialist setting. The right moment is usually when:
- Your child’s needs go beyond what their current school support can provide, even with SEN interventions in place.
- You’re seeing progress plateau — or behaviour and emotional regulation become bigger barriers to learning.
- Professionals are already involved (e.g., speech therapy, occupational therapy, behaviour support) and agree that coordinated provision would help.
It doesn’t matter whether your child has a diagnosis yet — the key question is “are their needs being met?”
Step 3: Gather the Evidence (Before You Apply)
This bit can feel overwhelming, but you’re not expected to write a novel.
Here’s what actually helps:
- Your perspective as a parent: day-to-day impact, what’s working, what isn’t.
- School records: SEN Support plans, progress data, attendance, behaviour logs.
- Professional reports: speech and language, occupational therapy, behaviour support (including any functional assessment or Positive Behaviour Support plans).
The goal is to show why your child needs coordinated, consistent provision — not to prove that things are going badly, but that the right structure will help them thrive
Step 4: Make the Requestgeneralised progress
You can apply directly to your Local Authority’s SEN department — you don’t have to wait for school to do it.
All you need is a written request for an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment. There are plenty of templates online (SENDIASS has good examples), but in plain English, it’s as simple as:
“I am requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment for my child, [name], under Section 36(1) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”
That line triggers the process formally — the Local Authority must respond within six weeks.
Step 5: The Needs Assessment
If your request is accepted, this is where professionals get involved — usually an Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and sometimes a Behaviour Analyst or specialist teacher.
Each will contribute a report that helps build a picture of your child’s strengths, needs, and what effective support looks like.
As a parent, you’ll also be asked for your views — and your input matters just as much.
Step 6: Writing (and Reading!) the Draft EHCP
Once the assessment is complete, the Local Authority will send you a draft EHCP.
This is your chance to check:
- Are your child’s needs clearly described (Section B)?
- Are outcomes specific and measurable (Section E)?
- Does provision (Section F) spell out who does what, how often, and with what resources?
You can suggest changes and ask for specifics. Vague phrases like “access to support” or “as needed” don’t hold up legally — request clarity.
If you’re working with behaviour support or ABA-informed strategies, make sure that’s reflected accurately and ethically in the plan.
Step 7: Finalising and Putting It Into Practice
Once finalised, the EHCP becomes legally binding — meaning the Local Authority must ensure the provision happens.
Schools and professionals then meet regularly (usually termly) to review progress, update outcomes, and plan next steps.
It’s a living document, not a static one. The best EHCPs grow with your child.
Step 8: Review and Appeal (If Needed)
If your request for assessment or plan is refused, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
You can also request a mediated discussion first — sometimes that resolves things faster. Charities like IPSEA and SENDIASS offer free templates, timelines, and support if you get stuck.
Keeping It Real
Yes, it can be slow. Yes, the paperwork pile can rival a small forest. But families who persist — and keep communication respectful and evidence-based — often see meaningful change.
The process works best when everyone sees the child as the centre, not the paperwork.
And if you ever doubt yourself along the way, remember: you’re not asking for extra — you’re asking for enough.
Key Takeaway
Getting an EHCP isn’t about jumping through hoops — it’s about building a plan that helps your child learn, communicate, and feel understood.
You don’t need to be an expert to start. You just need to keep going. One letter, one meeting, one small win at a time.
Check out:
References
Department for Education (2015). SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 Years.
Council for Disabled Children (2023). EHCP guidance for families.
IPSEA (2024). Education, Health and Care Plans: Advice for Parents.