8. What is an EHC Plan and who can request one for one for my child?

The purpose of an EHC Plan, which replaces a Statement of SEN, is to make specific educational provision to meet the special educational needs of a child or young person, to secure improved outcomes for them across education, health and social care and, as they get older, prepare for adulthood. 

An EHC Plan will contain:

• the views and aspirations of you and your child,
• a full description of their special educational needs and any health and social care needs,
• establish desired outcomes for your child’s progress,
• specify the provision required and how education, health and social care will work together to meet your child’s needs and support the achievement of the agreed outcomes

You or the school, usually the SENCO, can request that the local authority conduct an assessment of your child’s needs. This may lead to an EHC Plan.