What is Health Provision?

Health provision in an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) describes the medical or therapeutic support a child or young person needs because of their special educational needs or disability.

  • All health provision must be written in Section G of the EHCP unless a therapy is needed so a child or young person can learn or access education. This should be listed as educational provision in Section F - even if delivered by health staff.
  • The health service is legally responsible for arranging everything listed in this section.
  • This could include: Occupational therapy:
    1. Physiotherapy
    2. Mental health support
    3. Specialist nursing
    4. Medical or clinical care

Who arranges Health Provision?

  • Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) must provide all health support described in Section G.
    Health professionals take part in the EHC Needs Assessment and help provide advice for the plan.
  • Health Advice during an EHC Needs Assessment

Health services must:

  • Provide clear information about the child or young person’s health needs.
  • Recommend any therapy, medical support or interventions required.
  • Supply reports that help write: 
    1. Section C – health needs
    2. Section G – health provision

What Should Health Provision Look Like?

Health provision should always be:

  • Specific
  • Clear
  • Quantified

For example:

“30 minutes of weekly one-to-one rebound therapy delivered by a qualified therapist.”

Vague wording such as “access to therapy” or “support as required” should be avoided.

Changes to Health Provision

  • Health needs may change over time.
  • During the annual review, parents/carers can ask for updated health advice.
  • If the Local Authority decides to amend the EHCP, any changes to health support must be updated in Section G.

If Parents/Carers Disagree with the Health Provision

Parents/carers cannot appeal Section G directly, but they can appeal:

  • Section B – if health needs are not described accurately.
  • Section F – if a therapy should be considered educational provision instead of health.

Concerns about medical treatment only (not linked to education) can be raised through the NHS complaints process.

The SEND Tribunal’s extended powers allow families to use a single route of appeal to address not only the educational parts of an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, but also to seek non‑binding recommendations about its health and social care elements. These powers mean that when a parent or young person appeals an educational issue (such as needs (section B), provision (section F), or placement (section I), the Tribunal can also look holistically at related health and social care needs and recommend changes where appropriate. Although these recommendations are not legally binding, local authorities and health commissioners are expected to follow them or give clear written reasons if they do not.

Examples of Health Provision That May Be Included

A child or young person might receive:

  • Physiotherapy programmes delivered at set times
  • Specialist nursing support in school
  • Mental health or psychological interventions
  • Staff training for specific medical conditions
  • Feeding, swallowing or dietary support
  • Medical equipment or supplies related to a health condition