What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is a statutory Education, Health and Care plan for a child or young person with special educational needs in England. It identifies needs, outcomes and required provision. It can continue beyond school, where the legal criteria remain met, but does not automatically last until age 25.
Practical guidance for families in England
What the plan is for
The plan brings education, health and social-care information together around the individual. Its practical value lies in clear provision: what support will be delivered, by whom, how often and for how long. The local authority must secure the special educational provision specified in Section F, subject to the statutory arrangements and exceptions.
Guidance checked on 15 September 2026. Keep the decision letter, relevant plan or request, and the dates that apply to your case.
How it differs from SEN support
Schools and colleges have duties to support pupils and students with SEN without an EHCP. A plan becomes relevant where provision through the statutory process may be necessary. Evidence should show needs, support already provided, the effect of that support and what remains unmet; the question is not simply whether a school has spent a particular sum.
What the sections contain
A records views, interests and aspirations; B special educational needs; C related health needs; D related social-care needs; E outcomes; F special educational provision; G health provision; H1 and H2 social-care provision; I placement; J personal-budget details; and K advice and information. Read B, F and I together rather than treating the plan as a list of diagnoses.
What to look for in a useful plan
For each need, identify an outcome and the provision that helps achieve it. “Improve communication” is an outcome, not a service specification. A professional recommendation might explain the direct work, programme, frequency, staff expertise and review arrangements needed. Exact wording should follow the evidence and the individual child.
Check whether assessment is the next step
Ask the setting’s SENCO for the current support plan and progress information. Record your own concerns and your child’s views. If the evidence suggests the statutory assessment test may be met, send a clear request to the local authority. You can seek free information from your local SENDIASS before paying for additional advice.
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.
Understand the age limits
EHC plans cover eligible children and young people up to age 25. Continuing a plan depends on the legal criteria and education or training needs, not age alone. Higher education is outside the EHC plan system. Preparing for adulthood should address education, employment, independent living, participation and health as appropriate.
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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 an EHCP the same as a diagnosis?
No. A diagnosis can inform the evidence, but the plan concerns individual needs and the provision required to meet them.
Does an EHCP guarantee my preferred school?
No. Parents and eligible young people have placement-request rights, but the authority must apply the relevant legal tests. A placement dispute may be appealable.
Does a plan end automatically at 18?
No. It may continue for education or training where the statutory criteria remain met. It also does not continue automatically until 25.
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.