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EHCP for Dyslexia_compressed

Last reviewed: March 2026

Written by: School of Diversity SEND Support Team

Topic: Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

This guide is designed to help parents understand the EHCP process in England and is regularly updated to reflect SEND guidance and procedures.

 

EHCP for Dyslexia: A Guide for Parents

An EHCP for dyslexia provides additional educational support for children whose reading, writing, and literacy difficulties cannot be met through SEN support alone. The plan describes the child’s needs, the support required, and the school responsible for delivering that support. This may include specialist teaching approaches, literacy interventions, assistive technology, or additional support in the classroom.

Key Takeaways

  • Children with dyslexia may qualify for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if their needs require support beyond what schools normally provide.

  • EHCPs describe the child’s needs, outcomes, and the provision required to support learning.

  • Support may include specialist teaching programmes, assistive technology, and structured literacy support.

  • Evidence from professionals such as educational psychologists or specialist teachers can support an EHCP request.

  • The provision written in Section F of the EHCP must legally be delivered.

Dyslexia can affect a child’s ability to read, write, and process written information. While many schools support children with dyslexia through SEN support, some children require more specialist provision to access education effectively.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be appropriate when a child’s literacy difficulties significantly affect their learning and require additional support beyond what the school can normally provide.

Understanding how EHCPs work for children with dyslexia can help parents decide whether requesting an assessment may be appropriate.

Can Children With Dyslexia Get an EHCP?

Direct answer:
Yes. Children with dyslexia can receive an EHCP if their learning needs require support beyond what schools can provide through SEN support.

An EHCP is not issued simply because a child has a dyslexia diagnosis. Instead, the local authority considers:

  • the impact of dyslexia on learning

  • the support already provided by the school

  • whether additional provision is required

Some children manage well with SEN support, while others require the structured support described in an EHCP.

What Support Can an EHCP Provide for Dyslexia?

Direct answer:
An EHCP for dyslexia may include specialist literacy teaching, structured learning programmes, and assistive technology.

Examples of support that may be included in an EHCP for dyslexia include:

  • specialist dyslexia teaching programmes

  • structured literacy interventions

  • one-to-one support during reading and writing tasks

  • assistive technology such as text-to-speech tools

  • additional time for written work

  • strategies to support organisation and memory

The exact support depends on the child’s individual needs.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Dyslexia EHCP?

Direct answer:
Evidence for a dyslexia EHCP usually includes school reports, professional assessments, and parent observations describing how literacy difficulties affect learning.

Evidence may include:

  • school SEN support records

  • educational psychologist assessments

  • dyslexia specialist reports

  • teacher observations

  • examples of literacy difficulties in schoolwork

Clear evidence showing how dyslexia affects access to learning can support an EHCP request.

What Should Section F Include for Dyslexia?

Definition:
Section F of an EHCP describes the special educational provision required to meet the child’s needs.

For children with dyslexia, Section F may include:

  • specialist literacy teaching programmes

  • structured phonics support

  • access to assistive technology

  • support with written tasks

  • additional teaching support during lessons

The provision should be specific, measurable, and detailed so that support is delivered consistently.

Can Children With Dyslexia Attend Specialist Schools?

Some children with dyslexia attend mainstream schools with additional support, while others benefit from specialist educational settings focused on literacy needs.

If a specialist placement is required, the school will be named in Section I of the EHCP.

The aim is always to ensure that the child receives the support needed to access the curriculum and make progress.

EHCP for Dyslexia: FAQ

Does dyslexia automatically qualify a child for an EHCP?

No. An EHCP is issued when a child requires support beyond what schools can provide through SEN support.

Yes. An EHCP can be issued based on the child’s needs even without a formal diagnosis.

Educational psychologists, specialist teachers, and school SEN staff may contribute assessments.

Parents can request mediation or appeal the decision to the SEND Tribunal.

Explore More EHCP Guidance

If you are considering requesting an EHCP for your child, it may help to understand the wider process. You can read What is an EHCP? to learn how Education, Health and Care Plans work, or explore How to Apply for an EHCP for step-by-step guidance on requesting an assessment. Our guide on What Evidence Do I Need for an EHCP? explains the types of information that can support an application, while EHCP Assessment Process Explained outlines what happens during the assessment stage.