What is an EHCP?

Some children and young people need extra help at their place of learning. Sometimes the help they get from teachers or support staff is not enough.

An Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) helps professionals understand what support a child or young person needs.

If the assessment shows more support is needed, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be written. This is a legal document that explains the support the child or young person must receive.

Your views as the parent/carer helps professionals understand your child better and make sure the EHCP is accurate and helpful.

What to include in your views

It can help to start by writing short bullet points whenever you think of something important.

Include things you notice at home that staff at the place of learning may not see, such as routines, behaviours, worries, strengths, or things that are difficult.

Remember: you may be used to certain behaviours or challenges at home, but professionals need to know about them to understand your child fully.

Helpful evidence you can share

  • Reports from professionals such as doctors, therapists, or educational psychologists.
  • SEN support plans, one-page profiles, or IEPs used by the place of learning.
  • Behaviour plans, risk assessments, or school reports.
  • Examples of work your child or young person has completed at their place of learning.
  • Your child or young person’s own views, in their words if possible.
  • Copies of exclusion or suspension letters, emails between you and the school, or home–school communication books.

History: Your child’s story so far

  • Think about early childhood, school years, or any important moments that help tell the story of your child/young person’s needs.
  • When did you first notice signs that something was not right or that your child/young person needed extra support?
  • What have professionals said in the past about your child/young person’s needs?
  • How do your child/young person’s needs affect your family life, routines, or home environment?
  • What support has helped in the past, at home or in their place of learning?
  • What do you hope for your child/young person’s future—in one year, five years, or beyond?

Education

  • Explain any progress or lack of progress your child/young person has made during the last year.
  • Share things you are pleased with and things that concern you about their education.
  • Say whether the place of learning has had any professionals assess your child/young person, such as an Educational Psychologist.
  • Describe how your child/young person gets on with teachers, teaching assistants, and other children/young people.
  • Talk about how your child/young person manages reading, writing, maths, and other subjects.
  • Explain what your child/young person finds easy and what they find difficult.
  • Share what happens if your child/young person does not get the support they need.

Behaviour, Relationships, and Attendance

  • Does your child/young person get help with their behaviour at their place of learning? What does this look like?
  • Has your child/young person been asked to go home early or placed on a reduced timetable?
  • Has your child/young person been suspended or excluded? If yes, explain what happened and how often.
  • Does your child/young person struggle to get to their place of learning, or do they refuse to attend their place of learning due to anxiety or mental health needs?

Health, Emotional Wellbeing, and Sensory Needs

  • List any diagnoses your child/young person has been given by health professionals.
  • Explain how independent your child/young person is with things like dressing, toileting, or crossing the road.
  • Does your child/young person understand danger and keep themselves safe?
  • Share information about eating, sleeping, and general daily routines.
  • Mention illnesses, medication, or hospital visits and how these affect their educational life.
  • Explain whether your child/young person has sensory needs, such as being sensitive to noise, lights, touch, or smells.
  • Describe how their emotions or mental health affect their daily life.

General Views

  • What is your child/young person good at? What do they enjoy?
  • What do they worry about?
  • What worries you as a parent/carer?
  • Are there any professionals you believe should see your child/young person and why?