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.
What Happens After an EHCP Is Issued?
After an EHCP is issued, the school and local authority must ensure that the support described in the plan is delivered. The school implements the provision described in Section F, monitors the child’s progress, and reviews the plan regularly through annual review meetings.
Key Takeaways
Once an EHCP is issued, the school must deliver the support described in Section F.
The local authority remains legally responsible for ensuring provision is provided.
Schools usually begin implementing support immediately after the plan is finalised.
The child’s progress is monitored and reviewed during annual review meetings.
Parents can raise concerns if support described in the plan is not delivered.
When a child receives an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), many parents wonder what happens next. The plan outlines the child’s needs and the support required, but it is the responsibility of the school and local authority to ensure that the provision described in the plan is delivered.
Understanding how EHCP support works after the plan is issued can help parents ensure their child receives the support they need.
Implementing the EHCP in School
Direct answer:
After an EHCP is issued, the school must implement the provision described in the plan.
This usually involves:
planning how support will be delivered
assigning staff to provide support
informing teachers about the child’s needs
organising any specialist interventions
The support described in Section F of the EHCP must be delivered.
Who Is Responsible for Delivering Support?
Definition:
The local authority is legally responsible for ensuring the provision in an EHCP is delivered.
In practice:
the school implements the support
the local authority oversees the plan
If support described in the plan is not delivered, parents may raise this with the school or local authority.
Monitoring Progress
Direct answer:
Schools monitor the child’s progress to ensure the EHCP support is effective.
This may include:
reviewing progress toward outcomes
adjusting support strategies
communicating regularly with parents
Monitoring ensures that the child continues to receive appropriate support.
Annual Reviews
Direct answer:
EHCPs are reviewed at least once a year during an annual review meeting.
Annual reviews allow schools and parents to:
review progress
update outcomes
adjust provision if needed
These meetings ensure that the EHCP continues to meet the child’s needs as they grow and develop.
What If the Support Is Not Delivered?
If the provision described in the EHCP is not delivered, parents may:
discuss concerns with the school
contact the local authority
request changes during the annual review
The support written in the plan is legally enforceable, meaning it must be provided.
FAQ
How soon does EHCP support start?
Support usually begins once the final EHCP is issued and the school implements the plan.
Can the support in an EHCP change?
Yes. Provision may be updated during annual reviews.
What if the school does not deliver the support?
Parents can raise concerns with the school or local authority, as the provision must be delivered.
Who monitors EHCP progress?
Schools monitor progress and review the plan with parents during annual reviews.
Explore More EHCP Guidance
If you would like to understand the full process, you can explore our complete EHCP guide for parents, which explains every stage from understanding what an EHCP is to applying for an assessment and reviewing a plan. You may also find EHCP Annual Review Explained, EHCP Checklist for Parents, and Section F Wording Examples helpful when reviewing the support your child receives.