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.
Practical guidance for families in England
A to E: the person, needs and outcomes
A records the child or young person’s views, interests and aspirations, and those of their parent. B records special educational needs; C the 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.
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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.
How Little Nellie’s can help
Little Nellie’s offers EHCP advocacy, document review, evidence organisation and independent social-work input. Agree the task, deliverable, deadline and fee before instructing. The related service and pricing pages explain the available support.
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.
Official sources and EHCP services
Official sources: Children and Families Act 2014 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/6/contents
SEND Code of Practice — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
SEND appeal guidance — https://www.gov.uk/appeal-ehc-plan-decision
Free SEND guidance — https://www.ipsea.org.uk/
The service links below describe Nellie’s paid support. Check current official instructions when filing an appeal.
Discuss the support you need
Send the relevant decision, plan or request and any deadline when enquiring. Ask which service addresses your specific issue and request a clear scope and quote.
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 health and social-care recommendations, which have a different legal status.
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 send when asking Little Nellie’s for help?
Send the relevant request, decision letter or plan, the key evidence and any deadline. Explain the specific task you need help with so the scope and fee can be agreed.
Does this guide apply outside England?
This guide concerns the EHCP framework in England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different education and support systems; check guidance for the relevant jurisdiction.