by Sotiria Vlahodimou
(BSc, MSc, PG Dip, PGCE, QTS, Level 5 SpLD, NASENCo, NPQH)
Headteacher at Slindon College
For many families, supporting a child with special educational needs is a journey filled with hope, persistence and plenty of paperwork. One of the most powerful tools available in England is the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This legally binding document sets out your child’s needs and the specific provision required to meet them across education, health and social care. Below is a concise, step‑by‑step roadmap to the process, what to expect at each stage, and how your child’s current school can actively support you.
What is an EHCP – and who is it for?
An EHCP is intended for children and young people aged 0-25 whose needs cannot be met through the usual support offered at SEN Support level. If your child is not making expected progress despite targeted interventions, differentiated teaching and reasonable adjustments, an EHCP may be the right next step.
Step 1: Recognise the need
Trust your instincts. If something isn’t quite working – perhaps your child is struggling with literacy or numeracy, masking anxiety, finding transitions difficult or falling behind in communication or social interaction – raise this promptly with the class teacher and the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). Ask what has already been tried and agree how progress will be tracked.
Step 2: Work through SEN support available
Before requesting an EHCP, schools should adopt a graduated approach:
• Assess: identify needs and – if appropriate and available – draw on specialists such as an educational psychologist or speech and language therapist.
• Plan: set targets and agree strategies and adjustments.
• Do: put those strategies into practice in class and through interventions.
• Review: meet at least termly with you to evaluate progress and adapt the plan.
If, after sustained support and review cycles, your child’s progress is still limited, it’s reasonable to consider an EHC needs assessment.
Step 3: Request a needs assessment
You, or the school, can apply directly to your local authority (LA). You don’t need the school’s permission. Your request should include a summary of needs and clear evidence from the Assess – Plan – Do – Review cycle – think individual support plans, progress data, professional reports and examples of strategies trialled.
If a parental request is submitted, your child’s school will then be asked to complete an EHCNA where they will be asked for a supporting statement, relevant records, assessment data, behaviour logs, attendance patterns and work samples. They have 15 days to complete this paperwork. If the EHCNA is a school submission then they will provide this information to the Local Authority after a discussion with you.
Step 4: The LA’s decision
Within six weeks, the LA decides whether to assess. They’ll ask the school for information, so keep communication open. If refused, you’ll receive reasons and information about mediation and appeal routes. If agreed, you move into a multi‑agency assessment phase.
Step 5: The multi‑agency assessment
The LA seeks advice from relevant professionals – typically an educational psychologist, health professionals, school staff and, crucially, you and your child. Share what works at home and what doesn’t; include your child’s aspirations and worries. Keep notes of deadlines and who has responded; chase gently but firmly if advice is delayed.
Step 6: Drafting the plan
If the LA decides an EHCP is needed, a draft plan should be issued (within 16 weeks of your initial request). Read it carefully. Sections B (needs) and F (provision) must be specific and quantified. You have 15 days to comment and submit your parental preference. Your LA will consult with several different schools at this time. Ask the SENCO to sense‑check the wording of the draft EHCP against the evidence: does the provision align with the assessment advice?
How your child’s current school can help
• Evidence and paperwork: The SENCO can collate assessment data, intervention logs, Individual Education Plans and external reports.
• Classroom adjustments and tracking: Teachers trial strategies (for example, chunked instructions, scaffolding, multisensory techniques, visual schedules) and record impact, demonstrating what support is – and isn’t – working.
• Professional liaison: Schools help coordinate referrals, host assessments, and provide practical insight to the LA and professionals.
• Advocacy and review: The SENCO can review the draft EHCP with you, ensure Section F is precise and enforceable, and prepare for the annual review once the plan is in place.
Step 7: Finalising the EHCP
The LA should issue the final EHCP within 20 weeks of your original request. Once named, the school must deliver the provision in Section F. Expect an annual review at least once every 12 months (sooner if needed). Bring updated evidence, ask for measurable outcomes and request amendments if needs have changed. If provision isn’t being delivered, raise it with the SENCO and Headteacher in writing; escalate to the LA if required.
What happens if your request is refused
Don’t lose heart. You have rights of appeal and access to independent advice. Many families succeed at mediation or tribunal when they can show that, despite SEN Support, progress remains limited and that quantified provision is necessary. Keep your documentation thorough, dates clear and communication courteous but assertive.
Final thought
Applying for an EHCP can feel daunting, but you are not alone. Your child’s school – through the SENCO and teaching team – can be a powerful ally in gathering evidence, coordinating assessments and checking the wording of the plan. Specialist environments show what robust, well‑coordinated support can achieve when small classes, targeted therapies and skilled teachers work in harmony. With persistence, clear documentation and collaborative relationships, you can secure an EHCP that truly meets your child’s needs and supports a happier, more successful school experience.
Slindon College is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 8-18, providing transformative education for those who thrive in a specialist learning environment.
www.slindoncollege.co.uk
