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What support does an EHCP Provide_compressed (2)

What Support Does an EHCP Provide?

Last reviewed: March 2026

Written by: School of Diversity SEND Support Team

Topic: Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

This guide explains what support an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can provide, including educational support, therapies and specialist provision for children with SEND.

An EHCP provides tailored support to help a child access education. This may include additional teaching support, specialist interventions, therapies and adjustments to the learning environment. The support is legally enforceable and must be delivered by the school or local authority.

Key Takeaways

  • An EHCP provides additional support beyond SEN support.

  • Support is tailored to the child’s individual needs.

  • Provision is written in Section F of the EHCP.

  • Support may include education, therapy and specialist provision.

  • The support is legally enforceable.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is designed to ensure that children with additional needs receive the support required to access education. Parents often ask what support an EHCP actually provides and how it differs from the support already available in schools.

Understanding the types of support included in an EHCP can help parents ensure the plan reflects their child’s needs.

Types of Support in an EHCP

Direct answer:

An EHCP can include a range of support tailored to a child’s needs.

This may include:

  • educational support

  • communication support

  • therapy services

  • sensory support

  • specialist provision

Support should be clearly described and linked to the child’s needs.

EHCP support types overview_compressed

Educational Support

Direct answer:

Educational support helps children access learning in school.

This may include:

  • additional adult support in the classroom

  • small group or one-to-one teaching

  • adapted teaching methods

  • structured learning approaches

  • support with literacy or numeracy

The level of support depends on the child’s needs.

Therapy and Specialist Support

Direct answer:

Some EHCPs include therapy support to meet a child’s needs.

This may include:

  • speech and language therapy

  • occupational therapy

  • physiotherapy

  • specialist interventions

These services help support development and learning.

Communication Support

Children who experience communication differences may receive support such as:

  • visual communication tools

  • structured communication approaches

  • support with understanding instructions

  • specialist teaching strategies

Clear communication support helps children engage in learning.

Sensory Support

Direct answer:

Some children require sensory support to help them access the school environment.

This may include:

  • sensory-friendly environments

  • movement breaks

  • adjustments to lighting or noise

  • access to quiet spaces

Sensory support helps reduce overwhelm and improve focus.

Specialist Provision and Equipment

EHCPs may include specialist provision such as:

  • assistive technology

  • specialist equipment

  • adapted learning materials

  • specialist teaching resources

These adjustments help children access education more effectively.

Where Is Support Written in an EHCP?

Direct answer:

Support is described in Section F of an EHCP.

Section F should:

  • clearly describe the support required

  • specify how often support is delivered

  • identify who provides the support

Clear wording is important to ensure the support is delivered properly.

How EHCP Support Is Delivered

Schools are responsible for delivering the support described in the EHCP.

This involves:

  • implementing support strategies

  • coordinating staff and resources

  • monitoring progress

  • working with parents and professionals

The local authority oversees the plan to ensure provision is delivered.

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What Makes EHCP Support Different From SEN Support?

Direct answer:

EHCP support is more detailed and legally enforceable compared to SEN support.

Key differences include:

  • EHCP support is written in a legal document

  • provision must be delivered as specified

  • support is usually more intensive or specialist

  • the local authority is responsible for ensuring delivery

Examples of EHCP Support

Support varies depending on individual needs, but examples may include:

  • daily one-to-one support

  • weekly therapy sessions

  • structured communication programmes

  • specialist teaching approaches

  • sensory regulation strategies

Each EHCP is tailored to the child.

FAQ

Does an EHCP guarantee support?

Yes. The support written in the plan must be delivered.

Yes. Support can be updated during annual reviews.

Schools deliver the support, and the local authority ensures it is provided.

Not always. Therapy is included if it is required to meet the child’s needs.

Explore More EHCP Guidance

If you are exploring EHCP support for your child, you may find these guides helpful:

You can also explore our complete EHCP guide for parents, which explains every stage of the EHCP process.