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.
What Level of Need Qualifies for an EHCP?
A child may qualify for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) when their special educational needs require more support than a school can normally provide through SEN support. Local authorities consider whether the child’s needs significantly affect their ability to access education and whether additional provision is required to help them make progress.
Key Takeaways
An EHCP is considered when a child requires support beyond what schools can normally provide through SEN support.
Local authorities assess whether a child’s needs significantly affect their ability to access education.
Evidence from teachers, professionals, and parents helps determine whether an EHC needs assessment is required.
The decision is based on the level of support required, not just a diagnosis.
Parents can request an EHC needs assessment if they believe their child requires additional support.
Many parents wonder what level of need is required for a child to qualify for an Education, Health and Care Plan. While schools often provide support through SEN support, some children require more structured and specialist provision.
Understanding the threshold for an EHCP can help parents recognise when additional support may be appropriate and how local authorities make decisions about assessments.
The Legal Threshold for an EHCP
Direct answer:
A child may qualify for an EHCP when their special educational needs require support beyond what a school can normally provide through SEN support.
Local authorities consider whether:
the child has special educational needs
those needs significantly affect their education
additional provision is required to meet those needs
If these conditions are met, an EHC needs assessment may be carried out.
The Graduated Approach
Definition:
The graduated approach is the process schools use to identify and support children with special educational needs before an EHCP is considered.
The graduated approach usually involves:
Assess – identifying the child’s needs
Plan – planning appropriate support
Do – implementing interventions
Review – evaluating progress
If a child continues to struggle despite this support, an EHCP may be considered.
Types of Needs That May Qualify
Direct answer:
Children may qualify for an EHCP when their needs significantly affect their ability to access learning.
These needs may include:
communication and interaction needs
learning difficulties
social, emotional and mental health needs
sensory or physical needs
Often, children who qualify for EHCPs have complex or multiple needs.
The Role of Evidence
Direct answer:
Evidence helps local authorities determine whether a child requires EHCP-level support.
Evidence may include:
school reports
SEN support records
professional assessments
therapy reports
parent observations
Strong evidence helps demonstrate how the child’s needs affect their ability to learn.
Diagnosis vs Educational Need
Direct answer:
An EHCP is based on educational need rather than diagnosis.
Some children receive EHCPs without a formal diagnosis, while others with diagnoses may not require EHCP support if their needs can be met through SEN support.
The key factor is whether additional educational provision is required.
What Parents Can Do If They Believe Their Child Qualifies
If parents believe their child may require EHCP support, they can:
speak with the school’s SENCO
review current SEN support
gather evidence of the child’s needs
request an EHC needs assessment from the local authority
Understanding the threshold for an EHCP can help parents decide whether requesting an assessment may be appropriate.
FAQ
Does a diagnosis automatically qualify a child for an EHCP?
No. An EHCP is based on educational need and the level of support required.
Can a child qualify without a diagnosis?
Yes. A child may qualify if their needs significantly affect their ability to access education.
Who decides whether a child qualifies for an EHCP?
The local authority decides whether to carry out an EHC needs assessment and whether to issue a plan.
What if a school says an EHCP is not necessary?
Parents can request an EHC needs assessment directly from the local authority.
Explore More EHCP Guidance
If you are considering requesting an EHCP, it may help to understand the wider process. You can read Signs Your Child May Need an EHCP to identify early indicators that additional support may be required. 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.