EHCP and SEND support for families in England
When support is missing or an EHCP does not reflect your child's needs, it helps to know what to do next. We review the evidence, prepare the documents and support you through the stage…
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EHCP sections A to K explained
An EHCP has prescribed sections A to K. Each serves a different purpose: views, needs, outcomes, provision, placement, personal budgets and evidence. A useful review checks how those sections connect, particularly whether every special educational need in B has suitable provision in F.
An EHCP has prescribed sections A to K. Each serves a different purpose: views, needs, outcomes, provision, placement, personal budgets and evidence. A useful review checks how those sections connect, particularly whether every special educational need in B has suitable provision in F.
Practical guidance for families in England
A to E: the person, needs and outcomes
A records the child’s and parent’s views, interests and aspirations, or those of the young person. B records special educational needs; C health needs related to SEN; and D social-care needs related to SEN or disability. E sets outcomes. An outcome describes an intended change or benefit; it does not replace a specification of the support needed.
Guidance checked on 15 September 2026. Keep the decision letter, relevant plan or request, and the dates that apply to your case.
F to H2: the provision
F contains special educational provision. G contains health provision reasonably required by the learning difficulties or disabilities resulting in SEN. H1 identifies provision that must be made under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 for an under-18. H2 records other relevant social-care provision. Provision that educates or trains is treated as special educational provision, whatever the professional title of its provider.
I to K: placement, budgets and advice
I names the school or institution, or its type where relevant; it is left blank in a draft plan. J records personal-budget information where applicable, including relevant direct-payment arrangements. K lists and attaches the advice and information gathered during assessment. A recommendation in an appendix is not a substitute for clear provision in the appropriate plan section.
Check the links across sections
Choose one need in B and trace it through F, the relevant outcome in E and the supporting advice in K. Repeat for the other needs. For health and social care, check the equivalent needs-and-provision connections. Record gaps as “need / required wording / source and page” rather than asking generally for the plan to be stronger.
Use the right change route
At draft stage, send representations within the period provided, which must be at least 15 days. After a final plan, check the available appeal rights for the parts disputed. Annual review can identify changes, but an amended draft or review meeting is not itself a new final plan.
Check the documents for this stage
Keep the relevant request, decision notice or plan together with the evidence referred to above. Record the source of each proposed change and the date on which the next action is due. If two accounts differ, explain the difference and seek clarification rather than omitting one account.
Look for vague or misplaced wording
“Access to support” may leave the amount and delivery unclear. A therapy recommendation may belong in F if it educates or trains, even where the assessment came from a health service. Do not move all health or social-care support into F automatically: the nature of the provision matters.
Before you take the next step
You should be able to identify the issue, the outcome or information you need, the evidence supporting it and the person responsible for the next action. Keep a copy of what you send and any acknowledgement. The related guides below cover the stages that may follow.
Free information and additional support
Choose help for the question you need answered
Your local SENDIASS offers free information, advice and support. IPSEA also publishes SEND guidance. If a deadline, evidence gap or disputed decision remains unclear, identify the specific question before commissioning paid help. Seek prompt specialist legal advice where an urgent legal remedy may be needed.
When additional advice may help
Before seeking additional help, write down the decision or wording in dispute, the evidence already available and the deadline. Ask whether you need an explanation of the process, help presenting your evidence, a professional assessment or legal advice. Agree the task and any fee before commissioning work.
Little Nellie’s is not a law firm. Its services do not replace the local authority’s statutory duties or guarantee a plan, placement or tribunal outcome. Legal work outside the agreed service scope may require a specialist solicitor.
Related guides and support
Choose the guide for your next question or stage.
EHCP support from Little Nellie’s
draft EHCP review support
EHCP evidence pack
SEND Tribunal preparation support
complete guide to EHCP applications and appeals
Little Nellie’s EHCP support prices
Official sources and EHCP services
Official sources: Children and Families Act 2014 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contentsSEND Code of Practice — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25SEND appeal guidance — https://www.gov.uk/appeal-ehc-plan-decisionFree SEND guidance — https://www.ipsea.org.uk/The service links below describe Nellie’s paid support. Check current official instructions when filing an appeal.
Children and Families Act 2014
SEND Code of Practice
appeal an EHC plan decision
SEND35 appeal form
SEND35A refusal to assess appeal form
Record the next action and who will take it
Record the next task, the person responsible, the deadline and the document confirming it. Keep a copy of anything sent and any acknowledgement. If an agreed action does not happen, use that record to explain what is missing and ask for a dated response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Section A legally unimportant?
No. It gives essential context and the person’s views. It has a different function from the needs and specified provision sections, so aspirations should also be translated into the relevant outcomes and support.
Can I rely on a report attached in K?
Use it as evidence, but check that the necessary provision is clearly specified in the relevant plan section. An appendix alone may leave delivery unclear.
Which sections can the tribunal change?
The tribunal has binding powers over specified educational decisions, including B, F and I. In qualifying appeals it can also make non-binding recommendations about health and social care. The relevant body must respond under the extended-appeal arrangements; underlying health and social-care duties remain separate.
Where can I find free SEND information?
Your local SENDIASS provides free information, advice and support. IPSEA publishes guidance on the SEND system. Use the direct links in the sources section and check any service’s current availability.
What should I prepare before seeking advice?
Prepare the relevant request, decision letter or plan, a short list of the issues, the key evidence and any deadline. State the question you need answered and the action you have already taken. Ask how documents should be shared before sending sensitive records.
Does this guide apply outside England?
This guide concerns EHCPs in England. Wales uses the additional learning needs (ALN) system and individual development plans (IDPs); use Welsh Government guidance for that process. Scotland and Northern Ireland also have separate systems.
