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.
Questions to Ask at an EHCP Meeting
EHCP meetings help parents, schools and professionals review a child’s needs and the support provided. Preparing questions in advance can help ensure the Education, Health and Care Plan accurately reflects the child’s needs and that the support described in the plan is delivered effectively.
Key Takeaways
EHCP meetings review the child’s needs, progress and support.
Parents can ask questions about Section B (needs) and Section F (provision).
Meetings may take place during EHCP assessments, draft plan discussions, or annual reviews.
Preparing questions in advance helps ensure the plan reflects the child’s needs accurately.
EHCP meetings give parents an opportunity to discuss their child’s needs and the support provided in school. These meetings may take place when a plan is being drafted, during annual reviews, or when support needs to be adjusted.
Preparing questions in advance can help parents ensure that the Education, Health and Care Plan accurately describes their child’s needs and the provision required to support them.
Questions About Your Child’s Needs (Section B)
Direct answer:
Section B of an EHCP describes the child’s special educational needs.
Parents may wish to ask:
Does the EHCP clearly describe my child’s needs?
Are all relevant reports included in the plan?
Are any needs missing or unclear?
How do these needs affect learning in school?
Accurate descriptions of needs are important because they determine the support included in the plan.
Questions About Support Provided (Section F)
Definition:
Section F describes the special educational provision required to meet the child’s needs.
Parents may ask:
What support will be provided to meet each need?
How often will this support take place?
Who will deliver the support?
How will the school ensure the support is delivered consistently?
Provision should be clear, specific and measurable.
Questions About Progress
Direct answer:
EHCP meetings often review the child’s progress toward outcomes described in the plan.
Parents may ask:
What progress has my child made since the last review?
Are the current outcomes still appropriate?
Are additional strategies needed to support progress?
These discussions help ensure the plan continues to meet the child’s needs.
Questions About School Support
Parents may also ask broader questions about how support works in school:
How does the school monitor support delivery?
How will teachers be informed about my child’s needs?
What strategies are used in the classroom?
How will progress be reviewed before the next meeting?
These questions help ensure the plan is implemented effectively.
Preparing for an EHCP Meeting
Preparing for a meeting can help parents feel more confident and ensure key points are discussed.
Parents may find it helpful to:
review the current EHCP
make notes about concerns or progress
gather any new professional reports
write down questions in advance
This preparation helps meetings remain focused on the child’s needs.
FAQ
Who attends an EHCP meeting?
Meetings may include parents, school staff, SEN coordinators, and relevant professionals.
Can parents bring someone to an EHCP meeting?
Yes. Parents can bring a supporter or advocate if they wish.
How often are EHCP meetings held?
EHCPs are usually reviewed once a year during the annual review process.
What if parents disagree with the plan?
Parents can request changes and discuss concerns during the meeting.
Explore More EHCP Guidance
If you are preparing for an EHCP meeting, you may also find our complete EHCP guide for parents helpful. This guide explains every stage of the EHCP process, from understanding what an EHCP is to reviewing and improving the support provided. You may also find it helpful to read EHCP Annual Review Explained, Section F Wording Examples, and EHCP Checklist for Parents.