EHCPs Explained
Published · 5 min read
What to Do If Your Child Isn't Getting the Support They Need at School
If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you'll probably know just how important that document can be.
For many families, obtaining an EHCP involves months of conversations, assessments, paperwork and meetings. It can be an emotional process, particularly when you've spent a long time trying to explain why your child needs additional support.
So what happens when the plan is finally in place, but you're worried that your child still isn't getting the support they need?
Perhaps the recommended provision isn't happening, your child is struggling in lessons or you feel that their needs are not being properly understood.
If this sounds familiar, it's important to know that there are steps you can take.
What is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document in England that identifies a child or young person's special educational needs and the support required to meet them.
It is intended for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support than can normally be provided through the usual arrangements in an educational setting.
An EHCP should describe the child's needs, the outcomes being worked towards and the special educational provision required.
It can also include relevant health and social care needs and support.
The purpose is to make sure that the people involved understand what a child needs and how that support should be delivered.
It's important to note that EHCP arrangements differ across the UK. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own systems and terminology.
What if the support isn't being provided?
If your child has an EHCP but you're concerned that the provision isn't happening, your first step will often be to raise the issue with the school.
It can help to be specific about what you're concerned about.
For example, perhaps your child's plan describes a particular intervention, additional adult support or specialist input that you believe isn't being delivered.
Rather than simply saying that your child isn't getting enough help, explain which part of the plan you're concerned about and what you're seeing at home or school.
A written record can be useful. Keep copies of emails, meeting notes and any information that helps explain the difficulties your child is experiencing.
Talk to the school's SENCO
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator, usually known as the SENCO, is responsible for coordinating SEND provision within a school.
They are often a useful first point of contact if you have concerns about how your child's needs are being supported.
Arrange a meeting and explain what you've noticed.
You might want to discuss how the provision described in the EHCP is being delivered, whether anything has changed and how the school is monitoring your child's progress.
Try to keep the conversation focused on what your child needs to feel supported and make progress.
If appropriate, ask for a written summary of the agreed actions and when you'll review them.
Understand the annual review process
EHCPs must be reviewed regularly, generally at least once every twelve months.
An annual review is an opportunity to consider whether the plan is still appropriate and whether your child's needs or circumstances have changed.
Parents should have the opportunity to contribute their views, and relevant professionals may be involved.
If you feel that your child's current provision isn't working, this is an important opportunity to explain your concerns.
You don't have to wait until the annual review, however. If your child's circumstances change significantly or you have serious concerns about the support being provided, you can raise them sooner.
What if the school cannot meet your child's needs?
Sometimes parents feel that their child is in an educational environment that simply isn't working for them.
Perhaps their anxiety is increasing, attendance is becoming difficult or they're not able to access learning in the way they need.
These concerns deserve to be taken seriously.
You can request a conversation with the school and local authority about whether the current arrangements remain appropriate.
If you believe the EHCP needs to change, you can ask the local authority to consider a review or reassessment, depending on the circumstances.
The aim should always be to identify what your child needs and how those needs can be met.
Where can parents get independent advice?
Navigating the SEND system can feel complicated, particularly when you're already worried about your child.
You don't have to work everything out alone.
Every local authority in England should have a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service, commonly known as SENDIASS.
These services provide impartial information and support to children, young people and parents.
You may also find organisations such as IPSEA and Contact helpful.
IPSEA provides specialist information about SEND law and education rights, while Contact supports families with disabled children.
Keep your child's needs at the centre
It can be easy for conversations about EHCPs to become focused on paperwork, processes and disagreements between adults.
Although these things matter, it's important to keep returning to the question that matters most: what does your child need to feel safe, supported and able to learn?
You know your child in ways that school staff may not. Your observations, experiences and understanding of their needs are valuable.
Don't feel that you have to wait until things become really difficult before raising concerns.
You are allowed to ask questions
Having an EHCP should not mean that your responsibility to advocate for your child disappears. Equally, you shouldn't feel that you have to become an expert in education law overnight.
Ask questions, keep records, request meetings and seek independent advice when you need it.
The SEND system can be complicated, but there are organisations and professionals who can help you understand your options.
Most importantly, remember that your concerns matter. Every child deserves an education in which they are understood, included and given the support they need.
Useful resources:
This article focuses on the EHCP system in England. Education and additional-needs arrangements differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is general information rather than legal advice.
