What is an Education, Health and Care Plan?
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for an individual child or young person aged 0-25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which sets out a description of their educational, health and social care needs and the provision that must be implemented in order to help them achieve key life outcomes. It also includes information about the child or young person’s aspirations, and for those in Year 9 or above, information about preparation for adulthood.
EHCPs bring together practitioners from different agencies to contribute to a single assessment and plan for the child or young person.
When might a child need an EHCP?
Most children and young people with SEND can have their needs met in their local mainstream school, early years setting, college, or training provider through the support already available in the setting. This is known as SEND Support and in most cases it is enough to help children make good progress without needing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is for children and young people who have more complex needs and who require a higher level of support than a school or setting can provide through SEND Support alone.
Your child might need an EHCP if:
- They need a high level of support every day to help them learn, take part, and make progress.
- Their needs affect more than just education, and they also require support with health or care.
- The school or setting has already tried extra support through the graduated approach, but your child is still not making the progress expected.
Contact details
In Leeds, this is overseen by the Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) team.
- Email: sensap@leeds.gov.uk
- Phone: 0113 376 0062