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What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is an Education, Health and Care Plan.
It’s a legal (and long!) document that details a child or young person’s special educational needs (SEN), the additional specialist support they require (including who will provide it), and the outcomes they are hoping to achieve in the future. It also names the school (or type of school, ie mainstream or special school) that the child attends.
EHCPs come with a level of funding that is used by schools to deliver the necessary additional support, for example extra help from a teaching assistant or 1-1 interventions with specialist staff.
An EHCP covers children and young people aged 0-25.
If you’re still at the early stages of understanding SEND school options – including support available without an EHCP – take a look at our guide for relocating families.
Who needs an EHCP and how do you get one?
It is important to recognise that many children with SEND can be supported in mainstream schools without the need for an EHCP and an EHCP is only needed if a child requires additional specialist provision which is beyond what mainstream schools would normally be able to provide. However, all state special schools and most independent special schools require a child to have an EHCP.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to have a formal diagnosis (eg autism, ADHD or dyslexia) in order to demonstrate that there is a level of need that warrants an EHCP. But there’s no doubt that it helps…
An EHCP can only be issued after an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHCNA) has been carried out. A parent or school makes a request to the local authority in which they live and the local authority decides whether there is enough evidence to carry out an assessment. The statutory timeframe for this part of the process is 6 weeks. If the assessment is agreed, professionals are asked to provide reports (eg an educational psychologist, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and medical professional). After the assessment stage, the local authority will decide whether or not to issue an EHCP. If they refuse, parents have the right to appeal. If they agree, a draft plan is produced and the final plan SHOULD be issued no later than 20 weeks after the date of the initial request.
Does having an EHCP affect school choice?
The short answer is yes. EHCPs sit outside of the normal admissions rules for schools. Once an EHCP is issued, parents are asked to name their school of choice and the school they choose does not necessarily need to be in the borough in which they live. Parents have a right to request a state mainstream or special school. They can also request an independent mainstream or special school but this can get complicated as specific criteria must be met to justify the additional cost.
Once parents have made their choices, the local authority will formally consult with the schools in question and schools will need to respond within two weeks (officially) to say whether they can meet the needs of the child or not.
If a school objects, the local authority has a legal duty to consider the school’s response but can still go ahead and name the school in the EHCP.
In fact, the local authority must agree to a parent’s request and name the school in the EHCP unless one of the following legal exceptions applies:
- The school is unsuitable for the child’s needs
- Placement would be incompatible with the efficient education of others
- Placement would be an inefficient use of public resources
If the school is mainstream, the degree or complexity of needs is not a reason in law for refusal.
What can relocating families do next?
If you’re planning a move to the UK and think your child may need additional educational support, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself early with the EHCP process. While you can’t apply for an EHCP until you’re resident in the UK, understanding what’s involved, and what documentation is helpful, can make the transition smoother.
Start gathering any professional reports or assessments from your current country, particularly those that outline your child’s needs, diagnoses, or the support they’ve received. These can be useful evidence once you begin the EHCP application process in the UK.
It’s also worth researching how SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) is supported in UK schools, and which types of schools may be best suited to your child’s needs, whether mainstream with support, or a specialist setting.
Once you’ve arrived in the UK, your local authority becomes your first port of call. They are responsible for assessing your child’s needs and managing the EHCP process. And yes, navigating this can feel complex, but with the right information and preparation, you’ll be better placed to advocate for the support your child deserves.
How Simply London can help
Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or already deep into the application process, our experts can guide you every step of the way. From understanding the EHCP process to shortlisting suitable schools and preparing strong applications, we’re here to take the stress out of it all.
Contact us to learn more about our SEN school search support services, or visit our website section here.
Because finding the right school is not just about logistics: it’s about giving your child the best possible start in their new London life.
Need help bringing your family to the UK? Our sister site Simply UK Visa offers expert guidance on family immigration. Because getting settled starts with getting here.