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EHC plans & assessments

This advice applies in England only. Read information for families in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

Some children or young people with more complex educational needs receive support through an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, following an EHC needs asssessment.

On this page, you’ll find links to find out more detail about this type of support.

In this article

Introduction

Some children require more or a different kind of help than a mainstream school, college or nursery can usually provide from its own resources.

These pupils will need an education health and care (EHC) plan.

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EHC plans

On this page we explain what an EHC plan is, who needs one, and what you’ll find in the contents of the plan.

ehc plans

Getting an EHC plan

Local authorities use a process called an EHC needs assessment to determine whether a child needs an EHC plan and, if so, the support (provision) contained within it.

The EHC needs assessment process includes different stages and comes with timescales those involved must keep to.

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EHC needs assessments

Information about requesting an EHC needs assessment, the process, and what happens after an assessment.

EHC needs assessments
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Getting an EHC draft plan

Part of the process of getting an EHC plan, find out what’s involved in reviewing a draft plan.

Getting an EHC draft plan

When your child has an EHC plan

Your local authority must review your child’s EHC plan at least once a year. This is to look at how your child is progressing and to ensure that the plan is kept up to date. This process is known as the annual review.

There are other changes in circumstances that might impact your child’s EHC plan, including when their education comes to an end.

Find out more

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Annual reviews

Information about the annual review process, how to prepare for it, and what to do if you’re unhappy with the outcome.

annual reviews
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Changes in circumstances

What happens if you move area or your child has a break in their education, and when the local authority will cease a plan.

Changes in circumstances

Putting things right

If you disagree with a decision made by the local authority relating to your child’s special educational needs, you can appeal to an independent body called the First Tier Tribunal for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

Find out more

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Tribunal appeals

What you can appeal about, what you can’t, and the process to do so, including mediation.