What is an EHCP? The plain-English explanation for parents
An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a legal document describing a child's special educational needs and the support the council must provide. What it contains, who gets one, and what makes it powerful.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people in England (up to age 25) whose special educational needs need more support than a school can provide on its own. It is issued by your local authority under the Children and Families Act 2014.
What makes it powerful
Unlike ordinary school support, an EHCP is legally enforceable. The local authority must arrange the special educational provision written in Section F. If the plan says "one hour of speech therapy weekly", that is a legal duty — not a good intention.
The sections, in plain English
- A — the child's views, interests and story
- B — special educational needs (what they find hard and why)
- C — health needs
- D — social care needs
- E — outcomes (the goals, ideally with dates)
- F — the special educational provision (the support — the enforceable part)
- G / H — health and social care provision
- I — the named school or placement
- J — personal budget
Who can get one
Any child or young person whose needs require more than the school's own "SEN support" can be assessed. You do not need a diagnosis to request an assessment, and the council does not need your school's agreement — parents can request it directly (s.36).
The process in one breath
You request an assessment → the council decides within 6 weeks → if agreed, assessments happen and a draft plan arrives (which you get 15 days to comment on) → the final plan must be issued within 20 weeks of your request. Every step has appeal rights if refused.
Received a draft already? Our free draft checker shows you whether the wording will actually hold up — in about two minutes, in your own browser.