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.
Understanding EHCPs: A Complete Parent Guide
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) can feel confusing, especially when you are trying to understand your child’s needs, school support, and the process involved. This guide brings together clear, parent-friendly explanations of every stage of the EHCP journey — from understanding what an EHCP is, to applying for one, reviewing the plan, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong.
Each section below links to detailed guides designed to help parents understand the system more confidently, recognise common issues in EHCPs, and ensure their child receives the support they need.
EHCP Guides for Parents (Table of Contents)
Understanding EHCPs
What is an EHCP?
EHCP Without a Diagnosis
EHCP Sections Explained (A–K)
EHCP Funding Explained
What Support Does an EHCP Provide?
EHCP for Specific Needs
EHCP for Autism
EHCP for ADHD
EHCP for Speech and Language Needs
EHCP for Dyslexia
Understanding Support at School
SEN Support vs EHCP
Deciding if an EHCP Is Needed
Do I Need an EHCP for My Child?
Can a School Refuse an EHCP Request?
Applying for an EHCP
How to Apply for an EHCP
EHCP Assessment Process Explained
What Evidence Do I Need for an EHCP?
EHCP Request Letter Template
How Long Does an EHCP Take?
Reviewing the Plan
EHCP Annual Review Explained
EHCP Checklist for Parents
Improving an EHCP
Section F Wording Examples
EHCP Examples: Good vs Bad Plans
Top 10 EHCP Mistakes Parents Should Watch For
When Things Go Wrong
EHCP Refused – What to Do Next
Why Was My EHCP Refused?
EHCP Appeal Process Explained
EHCP Changes Over Time
Can an EHCP Be Removed or Ceased?
Understanding EHCPs
What is an EHCP?
Learn what an Education, Health and Care Plan is, how it works, and what support it can provide for your child.
EHCP Without a Diagnosis
Find out whether your child can get an EHCP without a formal diagnosis and what evidence matters most.
EHCP Sections Explained (A–K)
Understand what each section of an EHCP means and how the plan should describe your child’s needs and support.
EHCP Funding Explained
Learn how EHCP funding works, who pays for support, and how schools receive funding for children with additional needs.
SEN Support vs EHCP: What’s the Difference?
Understand the difference between SEN support and an EHCP, and when school support alone may not meet your child’s needs.
EHCP for Specific Needs
EHCP for Autism
Learn how Education, Health and Care Plans can support autistic children and what provision may be included.
EHCP for ADHD
Learn how Education, Health and Care Plans can support children with ADHD and what provision may be included.
Understanding Support at School
SEN Support vs EHCP: What’s the Difference?
Understand the difference between SEN support and an EHCP, and when school support alone may not meet your child’s needs.
Deciding if an EHCP is Needed
Do I Need an EHCP for My Child?
Learn how to recognise the signs your child may need an EHCP and when SEN support might not be enough.
Can a School Refuse an EHCP Request?
Learn how to recognise the signs your child may need an EHCP and when SEN support might not be enough.
Applying for an EHCP
How to Apply for an EHCP
Follow a clear step-by-step guide to requesting an EHC needs assessment and starting the EHCP process.
EHCP Assessment Process Explained
Understand what happens during an EHC needs assessment, who provides reports, and how decisions are made about issuing an Education, Health and Care Plan.
What Evidence Do I Need for an EHCP?
Understand what evidence helps support an EHCP request and what information local authorities consider.
EHCP Request Letter Template for Parents
Use this simple template to request an EHC needs assessment from your local authority.
How Long Does an EHCP Take?
Learn the typical EHCP timeline, what happens at each stage, and why the process can sometimes take longer.
Understanding and Reviewing the Plan
EHCP Annual Review Explained
Learn what happens during an EHCP annual review and how parents can request changes to the plan.
EHCP Checklist for Parents
Use this practical checklist to review your child’s EHCP and identify missing support or unclear wording.
Improving an EHCP
Section F Wording Examples
See examples of strong and weak Section F wording so you can recognise clear, enforceable provision.
EHCP Examples: Good vs Bad Plans
Compare examples of well-written and poorly written EHCPs to understand what good plans should look like.
Top 10 EHCP Mistakes Parents Should Watch For
Discover the most common EHCP mistakes and how parents can spot problems before they affect support.
When Things Go Wrong
EHCP Refused – What to Do Next
Learn why EHCP requests are refused and what steps parents can take to challenge the decision.
Why Was My EHCP Refused?
Understand the most common reasons EHCP requests are declined and what parents can do next.
EHCP Appeal Process Explained
Learn how parents can challenge EHCP decisions through mediation and the SEND Tribunal.
EHCP Lifespan and Changes
Can an EHCP Be Removed or Ceased?
Understand when an EHCP may be ceased, why local authorities make this decision, and how parents can challenge it.
