What is the social care part of an EHCP?

The social care part of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) explains what support a child or young person needs to stay safe, well, and able to take part in everyday life.
This support can include help with social skills, personal care, joining in activities, or short breaks for families.

An EHCP brings education, health, and social care professionals together, so the child receives joined‑up support based on their individual needs.

How does the Local Authority gather information?

The Local Authority (LA) must collect information from professionals about the child or young person’s care needs that link to their special educational needs in Section B of the EHCP, this is usually done as part of the EHC Needs Assessment.

The LA can also choose to include wider care needs that are not directly linked to a disability or SEN.  

What is used to decide social care needs?

The LA will look at assessments that have been gathered and decide if the child or young person has needs under any of these laws:

  • Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (CSDPA) 1970
  • Children Act 1989
  • Care Act 2014 (for young people over 18)

Any needs identified under these laws appear in Section D of the EHCP.

What are Sections H1 and H2?

The social care provision in an EHCP is split into two parts:

Section H1 – Social Care Support the LA Must Provide

Section H1 includes any social care support that must be provided under Section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (CSDPA) 1970.

This may include:

  • Personal care at home
  • Support to access the community
  • Short breaks in the community
  • Travel help for community activities
  • Home adaptations
  • Help with holiday costs  

If the assessment shows a service is necessary, the LA must provide it, taking into account the family’s circumstances and the needs of other children in the home.

Section H2 – Other Social Care Support Needed Because of SEN

Section H2 includes other social care support linked to the child or young person’s SEN or disabilities but not covered by the CSDPA.

This support may come from:

  • Early Help
  • A Child in Need Assessment
  • A Safeguarding Assessment

For children and young people under 18, this may include:

  • Residential short breaks
  • Services linked to SEN but not directly to disability alone

If the LA identifies needs in Section D but does not have a duty to meet them under CSDPA, they must be included in Section H2.

For young people over 18, any Adult Care and Support Plan should be included in this section.

Support in Section H2 must be “reasonably required,” taking cost and practicality into account.

Preparing for Adulthood

From Year 9 onwards, the EHCP must include any social care support that helps the young person prepare for adult life.

This may include support with:

  • Finding employment
  • Housing
  • Being part of the community and taking part in society

All social care support in the EHCP should aim for the best possible outcomes for the child or young person.