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.
Signs Your Child May Need an EHCP
A child may need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) when their special educational needs require more support than a school can normally provide through SEN support. Signs may include limited progress despite additional support, significant learning difficulties, emotional or behavioural challenges affecting education, or the need for specialist support such as therapy.
Key Takeaways
An EHCP may be needed when a child requires more support than schools can provide through SEN support.
Signs may include limited progress, significant learning difficulties, or emotional challenges affecting education.
Schools usually follow a graduated approach before an EHCP is considered.
Professional evidence from teachers, psychologists, or therapists may help identify EHCP-level needs.
Parents can request an EHC needs assessment if they believe their child requires additional support.
Many parents begin to explore EHCPs when they notice their child struggling in school despite receiving additional support. Schools often provide support through SEN support, but some children require more structured or specialist provision.
Recognising the signs that a child may need an EHCP can help parents understand when it may be appropriate to request an assessment and what steps to take next.
Limited Progress Despite Support
Direct answer:
One of the most common signs a child may need an EHCP is limited progress despite receiving additional support at school.
Schools often provide interventions or extra support through SEN support. However, if a child continues to struggle with learning despite these strategies, it may suggest that additional provision is required.
Examples may include:
difficulty keeping up with the curriculum
persistent challenges with reading, writing, or maths
needing significantly more support than peers
Significant Learning Difficulties
Direct answer:
Children who experience significant learning difficulties that affect their ability to access education may require EHCP support.
These difficulties may involve:
challenges with communication or understanding instructions
difficulties processing information
problems with memory or organisation
delays in key academic skills
In some cases, these difficulties may relate to conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or speech and language needs.
Emotional or Behavioural Challenges Affecting Learning
Direct answer:
Some children require EHCP support when emotional or behavioural challenges significantly affect their ability to participate in education.
This may include:
high levels of anxiety related to school
emotional regulation difficulties
behaviour linked to underlying needs
difficulty maintaining relationships or engaging in learning
When these challenges prevent a child from accessing education effectively, additional support may be required.
Need for Specialist Support
Direct answer:
A child may need an EHCP if they require specialist support such as therapy services or specialist teaching approaches.
Examples of specialist support may include:
speech and language therapy
occupational therapy
structured behaviour support programmes
specialist teaching strategies
These supports are often coordinated through an EHCP.
Support Needs Across Multiple Areas
Direct answer:
Some children require EHCP support because their needs affect multiple areas of development.
This may include:
learning difficulties
communication needs
sensory differences
emotional or behavioural needs
When needs are complex or require coordinated support, an EHCP may help ensure appropriate provision.
What Parents Can Do If They Are Concerned
If parents believe their child may need additional support, several steps may help:
speak with the school’s SEN coordinator (SENCO)
review the support currently provided through SEN support
gather information about the child’s needs
request an EHC needs assessment if necessary
Understanding the signs early can help ensure that children receive the support they need to access education.
FAQ
Does struggling at school mean a child needs an EHCP?
Not always. Many children receive effective support through SEN support. An EHCP is considered when additional provision is required.
Who decides if a child needs an EHCP?
The local authority decides whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment and whether to issue an EHCP.
Can parents request an EHCP assessment themselves?
Yes. Parents can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority.
What happens if a school says an EHCP is not needed?
Parents can still request an assessment themselves if they believe additional support is required.
Explore More EHCP Guidance
If you think your child may need additional support, it may help to understand the EHCP process in more detail. You can read What is an EHCP? to learn how Education, Health and Care Plans work, or explore Do I Need an EHCP for My Child? for guidance on deciding whether to request an assessment. Our guide on How to Apply for an EHCP explains how parents can request an assessment, while What Evidence Do I Need for an EHCP? outlines the types of information that can support the process.