Section F: specifying EHCP provision
Section F sets out the special educational provision the local authority must secure. It should explain the support required for the needs in Section B in clear, detailed terms. The SEND Code says provision must be specific and should normally be quantified; the wording should follow the individual evidence.
Practical guidance for families in England
Describe the support, not just the aim
An outcome such as improved independence does not tell a provider what to deliver. Identify the teaching, therapy that educates or trains, specialist programme, equipment, assistance or staff training required. Link each element to the need it addresses and to the professional advice supporting it.
Guidance checked on 15 September 2026. Keep the decision letter, relevant plan or request, and the dates that apply to your case.
Ask the delivery questions
Who will provide the support and what expertise is required? Is it direct work with the child, a programme delivered by others, staff consultation, or a combination? How often, for how long, in what group size and in which context? Who monitors progress and when is the approach reviewed? Not every answer needs a rigid number, but important delivery choices should not be left unexplained.
Turn vague wording into an evidence question
If a draft says “access to speech and language support”, ask the relevant professional to specify what that means for this child. Request the direct and indirect input, frequency, programme, training and review needed. Do not invent a therapy dosage or assume that another child’s provision is appropriate.
Audit Section F against B and K
Create a line for each special educational need in B. Add the corresponding F wording and the source in K. Mark needs with no provision, recommendations omitted without explanation, unclear responsibility and provision placed in the wrong section. Include needs masked by existing support.
Check a practical example
“Adult support as required” leaves key questions unanswered. The useful next step is to identify the tasks requiring support, the level of assistance, relevant training and how support is available across the day. The final wording must be justified by assessment; this example does not prescribe one-to-one support for every child.
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.
Resolve disagreements clearly
At draft stage, propose exact amendments and explain the evidence. If the professional recommendation is unclear, seek clarification. Where a final plan still contains disputed educational provision, check appeal rights and deadlines. If the wording is clear but support is not being delivered, that raises a delivery issue and may require a different route.
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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
Must all provision be expressed in hours?
No single wording formula fits every intervention. Provision must be detailed and specific and should normally be quantified, with any necessary flexibility clearly explained.
Is provision in a professional report enough?
Check that the required special educational provision appears clearly in F. A recommendation only in an appendix may not provide the same clarity about what must be secured.
What if the plan is clear but support is missing?
Record the provision due, what was delivered and the dates. Raise the failure with the setting and local authority and seek advice on the appropriate enforcement or complaint route.
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.