Is my EHCP fit for purpose? How will I know?
- Sarah
- May 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 9
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is effectively a menu for your child. It is unique and must be written specifically for your child, clearly describing all the provisions they will receive. Each section must specify what is being delivered, how often, for how long, and by whom. It must also be individually costed and funded.
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 poorly constructed EHCP is like dining at a restaurant where others are served full meals, thoughtfully prepared and tailored to their preferences, while you're left with scraps. You may manage by relying on others or using your own resources, but this is neither sustainable nor fair.
Just as a menu should reflect a well-balanced meal, an EHCP should reflect comprehensive, legally sound support. If the EHCP is "kept in the dark and fed scraps," your child will unlikely receive what they need to thrive.
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 Employers' Liability, Business 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.
How Empowering Families Supports You
Empowering Families of Children with SEND Ltd exists to ensure families can access high-quality, accurate SEND knowledge. We do this through three dedicated departments:
Department 1 – Free Peer Support
Empowering Families - SEND & EHCP Help & Support (Facebook)
This free advice and peer support community has over over 20,000 members [Updated June 2025.] Join us to gain real-time, practical insight.
Department 2 – Events and Webinars
Our not-for-profit Events Department provides webinars and support packs grounded in SEND law. Live attendees can ask questions directly.
Full Events: £15 (covers admin costs)
Drop-In Events: Free, with live discussion and Q&A
All sessions are available as recordings via our Events Library.
Department 3 – 1:1 Bespoke Services
Our paid-for individual support includes:
Professional report checking
Online meetings via Teams
Our widely recognised EHCP draft checking service
Full SENDIST Tribunal preparation and support
We aim to deliver professional, affordable, and empowering services. Testimonials for our services are fully traceable and reflect the high standard of our work.
Our Ethos
We believe that high-quality EHCP support should resolve current issues and empower parents to advocate confidently and independently.
Many families we support continue their advocacy journey using our Facebook group to stay informed as their children grow and their educational needs evolve.
All team members at Empowering Families of Children with SEND Ltd have lived experience with SEND and EHCPs—either as professionals, parents, siblings, or individuals with SEND themselves. This combination of professional expertise and personal understanding informs everything we do.
Where to Start?
Visit our website:
We have prepared a number of resources to support you, including:
Blog Library:
How to Check a Draft or Final EHCP
Top 10 Words and Phrases to Avoid in an EHCP – and Why
EHCP Checking Webinars and Support Packs:
Anna and Sarah guide you through a step-by-step review of your EHCP, including needs, wording, and provision checks. Support packs include templates and examples to simplify the process.
These webinars are part of our not-for-profit offering, developed to provide accessible, affordable training so families can become confident advocates.
Need Bespoke Support?
Our individual draft checking service is widely recognised and highly regarded. For more information: Bespoke 1:1 Support from Anna & Sarah
We are, and always will be, Stronger Together.
You can find testimonials to our bespoke services on our website and Facebook business page - here
