What is an EHCP? Guide for children and young people

What is an EHC plan? 

An EHC plan is a legal plan that makes sure you get the right support from school, health and other services, all working together to help you do your best. 

It brings together support from: 

  • your school or college 
  • health services 
  • care services 
  • other services if needed 

So that you can: 

  • learn and make progress 
  • take part in school life 
  • share your views and be listened to 
  • get ready for your future 

Most young people get the help they need from their school without an EHC plan. Schools already have lots of ways to support pupils and this works well for most people. 

An EHC plan is for those who need extra support on top of what school normally provides so they can learn, feel confident and take part in school life. 

Everyone learns differently; an EHC plan is simply another way to make sure you get the right support to do your best. 

How support works before an EHC plan 

Your school will always try different types of support to help you learn and take part. 

This is called Ordinarily Available Provision, it means support that schools are meant to provide so pupils who need a bit more help can learn, join in and feel confident. 

 This could include things like: 

  • extra help from a teacher or teaching assistant 
  • visuals, prompts, or checklists to support learning 
  • a calm or quiet space if you need it 
  • small-group work or extra practice sessions 
  • speech and language strategies in class 
  • support for your wellbeing and emotions 
  • changes to lessons to make learning easier to access 

 Schools use something called SEN support to plan your help. They: 

  1. assess what you need 
  2. plan support with you and your family 
  3. do the support 
  4. review how it's going and adjust it 

This cycle repeats so your school can keep adjusting things and make sure you are getting the right support. Most pupils get the help they need this way. 

If you still need more help than school can usually offer, even after trying different support, then an EHC assessment might be requested. 

Who can ask for an EHC assessment? 

  • Your school 
  • Your parent or carer 
  • You (if you are 16 or older) 

Asking for an assessment does not always mean you will get a plan. First, the council looks at your needs to decide. 

What happens during the EHC process?

✅ Request — council decides if an assessment will happen (up to 6 weeks) 

🔍 Assessment — professionals learn how to support you (up to 10 weeks) 

✍️ Draft plan — you and your family can comment and suggest changes 

🏁 Final plan — the finished EHC Plan is shared (by week 20) 

Your voice matters 

Your views are important. Adults should ask you about: 

  • what helps you 
  • what you enjoy or find hard 
  • what you feel proud of 
  • your goals and dreams for the future 
  • how you would like to be supported 

You can share your views in different ways: 

  • talking 
  • writing 
  • drawing or photos 
  • videos or voice notes 
  • presentations 

Whatever works best for you. 

Annual review 

If you have an EHC plan, it is checked every year to make sure it is still right for you. 

You will talk about: 

  • what’s going well 
  • what needs to change 
  • your goals and plans 

From Year 9, your plan also helps you think about becoming an adult, including: 

  • future learning and jobs 
  • independence skills 
  • friendships and community 
  • health and wellbeing

If you're unsure or worried 

If you have questions or feel unsure, you can talk to: 

  • your parent or carer 
  • your SENCO or a trusted adult at school 
  • SENDIAS (they give confidential advice to families and young people) 

You deserve to understand what is happening and to feel listened to. 

Remember:

  • everyone learns differently 
  • you have the right to support that helps you succeed 
  • you are at the centre of the process 
  • your voice matters 
  • it’s okay to ask questions