Quick Take An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 with significant special educational needs or disabilities. It outlines the extra help they need in school, healthcare, and daily life. Unlike general SEN support, an EHCP is legally binding, meaning local authorities must provide the support it describes. Any parent, carer, or school can request one, and while the process can take up to 20 weeks, it provides lasting support. EHCPs are reviewed every year to ensure they continue meeting the child’s needs.

Every child should have a fair chance to learn and grow. Some children need more help than others. That’s where an EHCP can help.

It stands for Education, Health and Care Plan. It is a legal plan that says what help a child needs at school and in life. It is for children and young people up to age 25 who need extra support.

An EHCP lists the support a child needs and the goals they are working towards. It makes sure schools and councils give the right help. This help could be with learning, health, or care.

An EHCP is more than just a plan. It gives your child the support they need to do well now and in the future.

In this guide, we’ll show you what an EHCP is, how to get one, and why it matters so much.

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP is short for Education, Health and Care Plan. It is a legal plan. It says what help a child or young person needs.

Some children need more help than schools usually give. An EHCP gives that help. It brings together support from school, health, and social care.

The plan lists:

What the child finds hard
What help they need
What they want to achieve

An EHCP is for children and young people up to age 25. It is for those with big or complex needs.

Each EHCP is made for one child. No two plans are the same. The help is matched to the child’s needs.

An EHCP is not just about school. It looks at the child’s life as a whole. That includes learning, health, friendships, and future goals.

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP is short for Education, Health and Care Plan. It is a legal plan. It says what help a child or young person needs.

Some children need more help than schools usually give. An EHCP gives that help. It brings together support from school, health, and social care.

The plan lists:

What the child finds hard
What help they need
What they want to achieve

An EHCP is for children and young people up to age 25. It is for those with big or complex needs.

Each EHCP is made for one child. No two plans are the same. The help is matched to the child’s needs.

An EHCP is not just about school. It looks at the child’s life as a whole. That includes learning, health, friendships, and future goals.

Who is an EHCP for?

An EHCP is for children and young people who need a lot of extra help.

It is for those with special educational needs (SEN). These are children who find learning harder than others.

It can also help those who:

Have a disability
Struggle with talking or understanding
Find it hard to cope in school
Need help with health or daily life

Some examples are:

Autism
ADHD
Learning disabilities
Speech or language problems
Mental health needs

If a school is giving support but it is not enough, an EHCP may be needed. It gives more help and makes sure everyone works together.

The plan is for children and young people from birth to age 25.

What’s Included in an EHCP?

An EHCP is a full plan. It looks at all parts of a child’s life. It is made with help from parents, schools, and health staff.

Each plan has these parts:

1. The child’s needs

What the child finds hard. This could be learning, health, moving around, or talking to others.

2. The support they will get

This means the help the child will get at school, at home, or with their health. For example, a teaching assistant or speech therapy.

3. Goals for the future

These are things the child wants to achieve. It might be learning to read, making friends, or living more independently.

4. Views of the child and family

The plan includes what the child and family think and want. Their voice matters.

5. Health and care support

If the child gets help from a doctor, nurse, or social worker, that goes in the plan too.

6. Education plan

This shows how the school will support learning.

The EHCP must be clear. It must say what help will be given, how often, and who is in charge.

How to Get an EHCP

You can ask for an EHCP if you think a child needs more help. This is called an EHC needs assessment.

Who can ask?

A parent or carer
A young person (if over 16)
A school or nursery

You ask the local council to look at the child’s needs. This is done in writing. You don’t need a doctor or school to agree first.

What happens next?

The council looks at the request
They decide if they will do an assessment (within 6 weeks)
If yes, they speak to the child, parents, teachers, and health staff
They write a draft plan
You check the draft and give your thoughts
The final EHCP is sent

How long does it take?

It usually takes up to 20 weeks from the request to the final plan.

What if they say no?

You can appeal the decision. There is help for this. Many families win their appeals.

Why is an EHCP Important?

An EHCP is more than a list. It gives your child a legal right to support.

It makes sure your child gets help

The plan says what must be done. Schools and services must follow it. This gives your child the best chance to learn and grow.

It joins up support

An EHCP brings together help from:

Teachers
Therapists
Doctors
Social workers

This means your child gets the right help in one clear plan.

It protects your child’s future

The plan is reviewed every year. It changes as your child grows. It can support them through:

School changes
Exams
Moving to college or work

It gives families a voice

You and your child help shape the plan. Your views are written in it. You are part of the team.

An EHCP helps children reach their goals and feel proud of who they are.

What Happens After an EHCP is Approved?

Once the EHCP is in place, the real work begins. It’s not a one-time thing.

1. The plan is used straight away

Schools and other services start giving the support listed in the plan. Everyone involved knows what to do.

2. The plan is checked every year

This is called an annual review. It looks at:

What is working
What needs to change
New goals as the child grows

You and your child can give your views in this review.

3. The plan grows with your child

As your child gets older, their needs may change. The EHCP changes too. It can support them through:

High school
College or sixth form
Training or work

4. Planning for adult life

From Year 9 (age 13–14), the EHCP must include a plan for life after school. This helps with:

Jobs
Living skills
Health and care

An EHCP keeps things on track. It helps your child move forward with confidence.

Common Challenges and Tips for Families

Getting and using an EHCP can be tough. But you are not alone. Many families face the same challenges.

1. The council says no

Sometimes councils say no to doing an assessment. You can appeal. Many families win when they do.

Tip: Write clearly. Explain how your child’s needs are more than what school support can cover.

2. Delays in the process

The EHCP process should take no more than 20 weeks. But sometimes it takes longer.

Tip: Keep track of dates. Ask the council for updates. You have a right to know what’s happening.

3. The plan is not followed

Sometimes schools don’t do what’s in the EHCP.

Tip: Talk to the school first. If things don’t change, speak to the SEN team at your local council.

4. It’s hard to understand the system

The words and steps can feel confusing.

Tip: Ask for help. There are support groups, charities, and advice lines that explain things clearly.

5. You feel alone

This is a common feeling. The system is hard to face on your own.

How Welcare Supports Children with EHCPs

At Welcare, we know that every child is different. That’s why we work closely with children who have EHCPs. We make sure they get the care, learning, and support they need.

Personal care in safe homes

We provide warm, stable homes for children with complex needs. Our staff understand EHCPs and use them to guide daily care.

Therapeutic support

We offer:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Equine therapy
Play with pets therapy

These help children feel safe, grow in confidence, and build new skills.

Working with schools and councils

We speak with schools, local councils, and health teams. This keeps the child’s support on track.

Planning for the future

We help with life skills and independence. We support children as they move to college, training, or adult services.

Got a question?

Request – A parent, school or young person asks for an EHCP
Assessment – The council gathers views and checks the child’s needs
Draft Plan – A first version is shared for feedback
Final Plan – The EHCP is written and shared
Review – The plan is checked every year and updated

Is an EHCP the same as an IEP?

No. An IEP (Individual Education Plan) is used in some schools to support learning needs.

But it is not a legal document.

An EHCP is legal, covers more than just education, and gives stronger rights to support.

What is a children's home?

Professional Practice

Together, let’s build a brighter future, your referral is the first step!