An EHC Plan is a legal document describing a child or young person's needs, the outcomes they're working towards, and the support the local authority must put in place. Understanding how it's built helps you make sure it actually says what your child needs.
1What's inside an EHC Plan?▸
Every plan is set out in the same lettered sections (A–K), so you always know where to look:
- AThe views, interests and aspirations of your child and you.
- BYour child's special educational needs.
- CHealth needs related to their SEN or disability.
- DSocial care needs related to their SEN or disability.
- EThe outcomes your child is working towards.
- FThe special educational provision — the actual support. This is the part the LA has a firm legal duty to deliver.
- GHealth provision.
- HSocial care provision.
- IThe placement — the name/type of school or setting.
- JDetails of any personal budget.
- KThe advice and information gathered (the appendices).
2Why does Section F matter so much?▸
Section F is the support your child must actually receive.
Good provision in Section F should be specific and quantified — how much, how often, and by whom (for example "X hours per week of Y, delivered by a qualified Z"). Vague wording like "access to" or "opportunities for" is hard to hold anyone to. The reason it matters is that the LA has an absolute legal duty to secure the provision in Section F.
3Can I ask for a particular school?▸
Yes — you have the right to request one.
When a plan is being drafted, you can ask for a specific school or setting — mainstream or special, maintained, academy or certain others. The LA must name your preferred school unless a limited set of exceptions applies.
You can also ask for a mainstream place; a child with an EHC Plan must be educated in a mainstream setting unless that is against your wishes or incompatible with the efficient education of others (and reasonable steps can't prevent that).
4How often is a plan reviewed?▸
An EHC Plan must be reviewed at least every 12 months (an "annual review"). For children under five, the guidance suggests reviewing more often — around every six months — so support keeps pace with rapid change.
An annual review looks at whether the outcomes and provision are still right, gathers everyone's views (including yours and your child's), and can lead to the plan being kept as-is, amended, or ceased. If the plan is amended or the LA proposes to cease it, you have the right to appeal (see Chapter 4).
5Do schools have to deliver what the plan says?▸
Yes — the provision in Section F is not optional.
Because the LA must secure the provision in Section F (Section 42), that support should be in place and delivered as written. If it isn't happening, keep a record, raise it in writing with the SENCo and head teacher, and escalate to the LA. Persistent failure to deliver can be challenged — Chapter 4 sets out the routes, including complaints and, in some cases, the courts.