SEN Support vs EHCP: Which One Does My Child Need?
Clear guidance for parents navigating SEN decisions
Deciding whether your child needs SEN Support or an EHCP can feel confusing — especially when you are being given different messages by school, professionals, and the Local Authority.
This guide explains:
what SEN Support really means
what an EHCP actually does
how to know when each is appropriate
what steps to take next
And throughout, we’ll highlight practical signs to help you make confident decisions. Learn more about practical next steps on our SEN Support for Parents page.
In simple terms:
SEN Support = school-based help.
EHCP = legally protected plan when needs are more complex.
What Is SEN Support?
SEN Support is the help schools provide to pupils who need extra support but do not have an EHCP.
Its purpose is to reduce barriers to learning and wellbeing.
Children may receive SEN Support due to:
communication or language needs
autism or ADHD
dyslexia or learning differences
emotional regulation challenges
sensory difficulties
long-term medical issues
SEN Support should be:
planned
written down
reviewed regularly
adapted based on progress
Keyword variations used naturally here:
“SEN support explained”, “support in schools”, “SEN provision”.
Read our full guide: What Is SEN Support?
What Is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document created by the Local Authority for children whose needs are more complex or long-term.
An EHCP:
describes your child’s needs in detail
specifies the support required (not just suggests it)
gives legal protection if support is not delivered
can include health and social care support too
EHCPs are not just for children “far behind”.
They are for children whose needs cannot be met fully by SEN Support alone. If you’re exploring this route, see our page on EHCP Advocacy & Support
SEN Support vs EHCP — Key Differences
Area
Who Provides it
Legal Status
Level of Need
Documentation
Accountability
Reviews
Sen Support
School
Guidance
Mid-Moderate
Support Plans, IEPs
School managed
Usually termly
EHCP
Local Authority
Legally enforceable
Complex or significant
Full EHCP document
Legally accountable provisions
formal annual reviews
Neither option is “better”.
The right approach depends on what your child actually needs.
When SEN Support Is Usually Enough
SEN Support is typically appropriate when:
small adjustments make a difference
progress is steady (even if slow)
needs are manageable within mainstream teaching
strategies are working with review cycles
Examples:
additional literacy intervention
structured routines
sensory breaks
social skills support
The key question is:
“With reasonable support, can my child access learning and feel safe?”
If yes — SEN Support may be appropriate.
Signs SEN Support May Not Be Enough
Consider the next step if you notice:
limited or no progress, despite support
repeated exclusions or reduced timetables
increasing anxiety or school refusal
frequent behavioural crises linked to unmet need
specialist professionals involved regularly
significant needs across multiple areas
At this stage, you may wish to consider requesting an EHCP assessment.
If you’re unsure, you can book a Parent SEN Support Session and we’ll talk it through together.
Do You Need a Diagnosis First?
No.
Neither SEN Support nor an EHCP legally requires a diagnosis.
Support is based on need, not labels.
A diagnosis can help explain needs, but it should never be used as a reason to delay support.
Can a Child Move From SEN Support to an EHCP?
Yes — this is common.
Many children start at SEN Support.
If needs increase or support becomes insufficient, an EHCP may follow.
It is not “escalating too fast”.
It is responding to need.
How Do I Request an EHCP?
Parents can request directly — you do not need the school’s permission.
Typical steps include:
Put the request in writing
Provide evidence of need
Include examples of support tried already
Keep copies of everything See our EHCP Advocacy page for full guidance, examples and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all children on SEN Support eventually get an EHCP?
No. Many children manage well with SEN Support alone, especially if it is structured and reviewed.
Is an EHCP only for academic problems?
No. Emotional regulation, behaviour linked to need, sensory challenges and communication needs are all valid considerations.
Will an EHCP guarantee specialist school placement?
Not always. EHCPs state needs and provision — placement decisions are made case-by-case.
Can SEN Support exist alongside an EHCP?
Yes. SEN Support strategies continue, while EHCP provisions add legal protection and additional support.
Both SEN Support and EHCPs exist to help children access education safely and successfully.
Neither is “better”.
The important question is:
“What level of support does my child genuinely need?”