How do I know if my EHCP is good enough?
- Sarah
- May 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is unique and must be written specifically for your child, clearly specifying all of their special educational needs and all of the provision they will receive. Section F must specify what must be delivered, how often, for how long, and by whom.
That's the theory—but how do you know if your EHCP meets the legal standard?
If we have undertaken a draft check for you, we will be able to confirm this once we review the amended draft or final plan. However, for those reviewing independently, the key question is:
How will you know if the EHCP is good enough?
Knowledge is power. To properly evaluate an EHCP, you must empower yourself with the correct information and understanding of what a lawful and effective EHCP should include.
What to Look for in Your EHCP
Ask yourself the following questions:
Has the Local Authority (LA) correctly identified all needs in Section B and all provisions in Section F?
Have all professional reports been reflected in Sections B and F with specific and quantified provisions that meet the needs?
Have needs and provisions been appropriately allocated to the correct sections of the EHCP?
Can you clearly identify who will deliver the provision?
Are the qualifications and experience of the responsible adult specified?
Is it clear when the provision will be delivered?
Can you see how long each provision session will last?
Are the strategies and programmes to be used specified? Do your professional reports back up these choices?
Is the adult-to-child ratio included where relevant?
If you can confidently answer "yes" to all of the above, your EHCP will likely effectively meet your child's needs.
Note: The quality of the EHCP is only as strong as the professional reports it is based on.
Why a poorly written EHCP fails children
A unlawfully written EHCP will not provide your child with the provision they require to meet their needs. This will put them at a significant disadvantage, they will not make the progress they are capable of and as a result, their mental health, future life choices and adulthood is at risk.
The only way to know if your EHCP is lawfully written is to check it carefully. More information on the wording of EHCP and their enforceability is available in the following blogs:
How Do I Know Whom to Trust for EHCP Support?
Advocacy is unregulated in the UK. Therefore, it is essential to approach both paid and voluntary sources of EHCP advice cautiously.
Before trusting a service or individual, consider the following:
Key Questions for Any Support Provider
Is the source reliable? How do you know? Have you done your due diligence?
Is the information publicly and equally available to all?
What are the skills, qualifications, and experience of the individual or team?
Is the advice offered in accessible formats?
Before Paying for Support
Is the provider traceable, with a visible business presence and reputation?
Are testimonials genuine and verifiable?
Are their qualifications and experience publicly listed?
Have they made their Public Indemnity Insurance, ICO registration, and (if applicable) Limited Company number public?
Are costs transparent, and is there a written agreement outlining deliverables?
Are you being asked to pay before seeing examples of the quality of their work?
Be wary of misinformation. Unregulated forums and support groups may spread credible but factually incorrect myths. These can cause unnecessary delays and frustration, undermining your child's access to appropriate provision and placement.
For more information on finding reputable SEND support see here
How Empowering Families Supports You
If you have any questions come and find us on our Facebook Group, we are always available to provide professional support there.
Find our YouTube videos here
For more information about how Empowering Families can help you email admin@empoweringSENDfamilies.co.uk
And book a meeting with us here
We are, and always will be, Stronger Together.
You can find testimonials to our bespoke services on our website and Facebook business page - here
