Understanding EHCPs: a parent guide
Clear guidance for each stage, from your first questions to reviewing a plan and challenging a decision.
Education, Health and Care Plans can feel confusing. Start with the stage you are at, then explore practical explanations, checklists and examples at your own pace.
Where are you in the EHCP journey?
You do not need to read everything at once. These links take you directly to the relevant collection.
Received a decision you disagree with? Check the decision letter and applicable appeal deadline promptly. Reading guides or discussing the case does not automatically extend it. Explore appeal support.
Understand the EHCP basics
Learn what a plan does, how its sections fit together and why needs and provision matter.
What is an EHCP?
A parent-friendly introduction to the plan and the support it can specify.
Read the EHCP introductionEHCP without a diagnosis
Understand why the process focuses on needs and required provision, rather than a label alone.
Explore diagnosis and EHCPsSections A–K explained
Find out where views, needs, outcomes, provision, placement and advice belong.
Understand the EHCP sectionsEHCP funding
Explore funding arrangements and the responsibilities behind support.
Read the funding guideWhat support can a plan provide?
Understand how specified provision can support access to education.
Explore EHCP supportEHCPs for different areas of need
A diagnosis does not automatically determine entitlement or provision. These guides explore how particular needs may affect educational access and support.
Autism
Explore communication, sensory and other educational needs for autistic children.
EHCPs and autismADHD
Consider attention, executive function and individual support requirements.
EHCPs and ADHDSpeech and language
Understand communication needs and relevant specialist provision.
Speech and language needsDyslexia
Explore learning difficulties and the provision a child may require.
EHCPs and dyslexiaSocial, emotional and mental health
Consider the educational impact of SEMH needs and appropriate support.
Explore SEMH needsSensory processing
Understand sensory barriers, environmental requirements and provision.
Explore sensory needsSEN Support and an EHCP: what changes?
Understand the difference between school-based SEN Support and the statutory plan framework, including how everyday support continues alongside a plan.
Could your child need an EHCP?
Explore the needs, educational impact and current support behind a request for an EHC needs assessment.
Signs to look for
Recognise patterns suggesting that additional assessment or provision may be needed.
Signs your child may need a planDo we need an EHCP?
Consider your child’s situation and whether current arrangements are sufficient.
Explore whether a plan is neededWhat is the legal threshold?
Understand the distinction between deciding to assess and deciding to issue a plan.
Read the eligibility guideSchool says a plan is not needed
Explore the evidence and options when school disagrees with your concerns.
What parents can do nextCan school refuse the request?
Understand the school’s role and how parents can approach the local authority.
Understand assessment requestsApply and prepare your evidence
Make the request clear: explain your child’s needs, the impact on education, support already provided and why further assessment may be necessary.
How to apply
Follow the steps for requesting an EHC needs assessment.
Read the application guideThe assessment process
Understand the advice gathered and how the authority makes its decisions.
Explore assessment stagesEvidence to include
Organise relevant school, professional, parent and pupil information.
Read the evidence guideRequest letter template
Use a starting structure and adapt it to your child’s circumstances.
Find the letter templateHow long does it take?
Understand the process timeline and what to check when delays arise.
Read the timeline guideCheck the EHCP and keep it relevant
Receiving a plan is an important step. Continue checking its wording, actual delivery and whether it reflects changing needs.
Annual reviews explained
Understand preparation, the review meeting and the local-authority decision.
Read the annual review guideEHCP review checklist
Check for missing needs, unclear support and inconsistencies.
Use the plan checklistAnnual review checklist
Gather your evidence and identify changes to request before the meeting.
Prepare for the annual reviewAfter the plan is issued
Understand delivery, responsibilities and ongoing review.
What happens next?Provision missing? Compare the plan with what has been delivered and raise concerns promptly with the school and local authority. Do not wait for the next annual review to flag current gaps.
Recognise and address problems in the plan
Needs, outcomes and provision should connect. Practical examples help you see where important detail may be missing.
Section F wording examples
Compare wording and identify questions about frequency, duration, staffing and delivery.
Explore Section F examplesGood and weak plan examples
See the difference clearer needs and provision can make.
Compare EHCP examplesCommon EHCP mistakes
Spot omissions and drafting issues that may affect support.
Read the common mistakes guideMeeting questions
Prepare focused questions and ask for clear actions and responsibilities.
Find questions for your meetingExamples are learning tools. Requested wording should always be based on the child or young person’s individual evidence.
Understand the decision and your next step
Identify exactly what has been refused or disputed, check the relevant dates and match your evidence to the issue.
EHCP refused: what next?
Explore the decision and possible steps to challenge it.
Read the next-steps guideWhy was it refused?
Understand common reasons and questions to ask about the evidence.
Explore refusal reasonsAppeals explained
Learn about mediation advice, appeal preparation and the tribunal process.
Read the appeal guideCan an EHCP be removed or ceased?
Understand when the local authority may decide a plan is no longer necessary, how continuing needs and provision matter, and what to consider if you disagree.
Want help applying the guidance to your child?
Choose the support relevant to your stage. We agree scope and fees before starting substantive work.
Request and evidence
Application support Evidence review and preparationPlan and placement
Draft plan review Annual review support Placement supportRefusals and disputes
Refusal-to-assess support Mediation support Appeal and tribunal supportAbout this guide: These resources concern the EHCP framework in England. Different statutory systems apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. General information is not individual legal advice; check current official guidance and case-specific deadlines.
Official sources: GOV.UK: EHC assessments and plans and SEND Code of Practice.
You do not need to work through the whole journey alone
Tell us where you are in the process and what is worrying you. We can help you identify the next useful step.