How to Get an EHCP and What Happens Next

If you’re exploring whether your child needs an EHCP, or you’ve been told it might be time to apply for one, you’re not alone—and you’re asking all the right questions. The world of special educational needs can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re juggling paperwork, meetings, and worries about your child’s progress. But with the right guidance, the process becomes much more manageable.

 

This blog breaks down what an EHCP is, how you get one, and what happens once it’s in place. It’s designed to take you through it all step by step, in plain English, with practical insights from the kind of advice a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) might offer at school.

 

What is an EHCP?

 

An EHCP, or Education, Health and Care Plan, is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 who have more complex needs that go beyond what a school can normally provide through SEN support.

The plan outlines:

 

* Your child’s special educational needs

* The support they need to meet those needs

* The outcomes everyone is working towards

* Any relevant health and social care needs, if these affect education

 

The key point is that it’s legally binding. Once it’s in place, the local authority and the school must deliver the support listed in the plan.

 

When Might a Child Need an EHCP?

 

Not every child with additional needs will need an EHCP. Many children are very well supported through what’s known as SEN Support—this includes things like small group work, speech and language interventions, or adjustments in the classroom.

But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, a child’s needs go beyond what the school can manage with its usual resources. This might be the case if:

 

1. Your child isn’t making expected progress even with lots of help

2. They need input from several professionals—such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, or educational psychologists

3. The school is having to make significant changes to how they teach your child

4. You feel your child is struggling more than their peers, and their difficulties are starting to affect their confidence, behaviour, or mental health

 

If that sounds familiar, it might be time to consider an EHCP needs assessment.

 

Does an EHCP actually make a difference?

 

An EHCP can make a huge difference to a child’s educational journey. For some students, having a clear, legally binding plan in place is what finally unlocks the support they need to access learning in a meaningful way. Whether it’s one-to-one help in lessons, specialist equipment, therapy input, or a tailored approach to teaching, the EHCP ensures that your child isn’t just expected to fit in—but is genuinely included. For children with complex needs, the plan becomes a central reference point, helping schools, professionals, and families to work together consistently towards the same goals.

 

Importantly, EHCPs can also include educational provision outside the classroom, such as specialist tutoring if it’s deemed necessary to meet your child’s needs. This might be because a student is out of school due to anxiety, needs support reintegrating into mainstream education, or requires highly tailored teaching to help them catch up or access the curriculum. At Manning’s Tutors, we provide the kind of bespoke tutoring that can be written into an EHCP—offering experienced, flexible support in core subjects, delivered by tutors who understand the SEN landscape and can adapt to each learner’s individual needs.

 

Step 1: Requesting an EHCP Needs Assessment

 

The process starts with a request to the local authority for an Education, Health and Care needs assessment. This can be made by:

* You (the parent or carer)

* Your child’s school or nursery

* A young person themselves (if they are over 16)

You don’t need to wait for the school to do it—you have every right to make the request directly. But it’s helpful if you can work with the school as a team, since they’ll be asked to provide supporting evidence.

 

The request is usually made in writing and should include:

 

1. A description of your child’s needs

2. What support has already been tried

3. Why that support hasn’t been enough

4. Copies of any relevant reports (e.g. from speech therapists, paediatricians, psychologists)

Once the request is submitted, the local authority has six weeks to decide whether to carry out the full assessment.

 

Step 2: The EHCP Needs Assessment

 

If the local authority agrees to assess, they’ll gather information from a range of people, such as:

* You (the parent or carer)

* Your child’s school or setting

* Educational psychologists

* Health professionals

* Social care (if relevant)

 

Your child may also be asked to contribute their views, if appropriate. This stage is important—make sure your voice is heard. The professionals involved will assess not only your child’s difficulties but also their strengths, personality, and interests. A good EHCP reflects the whole child.

Once the assessments are complete, the local authority decides whether to issue a plan. If they say yes, they have another 14 weeks to produce a final EHCP.

If they say no, you have the right to appeal.

 

Step 3: Drafting the EHCP

 

The local authority will send you a draft EHCP for your comments. This is your chance to:

A. Check that the information is accurate and complete

B. Make sure your child’s needs and strengths are clearly described

C. Suggest changes to the outcomes or support listed

 

You’ll also be asked to name a school or setting you’d like your child to attend. You have a right to request a mainstream school, or in some cases, a specialist placement. The local authority must consider your preference, although they can refuse in certain situations (e.g. if it would be unsuitable or inefficient use of resources).

 

Step 4: Final EHCP and Implementation

 

Once any changes have been agreed, the local authority will issue the final EHCP. From this point, the plan becomes a legal document, and the named school or setting must put the support in place.

You’ll also be told who your child’s caseworker is—this is the person you can contact if you have questions or if the plan isn’t being followed properly.

 

What Happens Next?

 

Regular Reviews

EHCPs don’t last forever—they’re reviewed at least once a year in an Annual Review meeting. This involves you, the school, and any professionals involved. The review looks at:

* Whether your child’s needs have changed

* Whether the current support is working

* Whether the outcomes need updating

For younger children, especially under 5, reviews may happen more frequently.

 

Moving Schools

 

If your child is moving to secondary school or post-16 education, a transition review should happen the year before. You’ll be asked to suggest schools, and the local authority will consult with them to arrange a place.

EHCPs can also remain in place beyond school, supporting young people in college, apprenticeships, or supported internships—as long as they still have educational needs.

 

Common Questions

 

What if the local authority refuses to assess?

You have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Many families win appeals, especially if they can show their child isn’t making progress despite support.

 

Can I ask for changes to the EHCP after it’s been finalised?

Yes. You can request an early review if your child’s needs have changed significantly, or you can challenge specific parts through mediation or appeal.

Does an EHCP guarantee a place in a special school?

Not always. Placement decisions are based on what’s suitable and what the law allows, but you do have a right to request a specialist setting if that’s what your child needs.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Getting an EHCP isn’t always quick or easy—but it is worth it when it gives your child the support they need to thrive. You know your child best, and your voice matters at every stage of the process.

 

Whether you’re just starting out or partway through, don’t be afraid to ask questions, take notes, and seek support from school, local parent forums, or SEND charities. You’re not expected to know all the jargon or navigate it alone.
Remember: it’s not about fitting your child into the system—it’s about shaping the support to fit your child.