What do the sections in an EHCP mean?
Here is a detailed breakdown of each section of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), including legal references, statutory expectations, and examples of good practice, based on the SEND Regulations 2014, the Children and Families Act 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice.
Section A – Views, Interests and Aspirations
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(a) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To capture the child or young person’s views, interests, and long-term aspirations, including those of their parents.
Best Practice:
- Should include aspirations for employment, independent living, and community participation.
- Written in first person where possible, with clarity on whether views are direct or interpreted.
- Example: “I want to work with animals when I grow up. I feel calm when I’m outside and I like helping people.”
Note: This section cannot be appealed but should reflect the child’s voice and be updated regularly.
Section B – Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(b) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To list all the child’s SEN clearly and comprehensively.
Best Practice:
- Must be specific and up-to-date.
- Should include academic, communication, sensory, emotional, and physical needs.
- Example: “Dyslexia affecting phonological processing and spelling; ADHD impacting attention and impulse control.”
Appealable: Yes. If needs are missing or inaccurately described, parents can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Section C – Health Needs Related to SEN
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(c) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To describe health needs that relate to the child’s SEN.
Best Practice:
- Should include diagnoses, treatment plans, and input from health professionals.
- Example: “Epilepsy requiring daily medication and emergency seizure protocol; PTSD requiring CAMHS support.”
Tribunal Role: Can make recommendations (not binding) on this section.
Section D – Social Care Needs Related to SEN or Disability
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(d) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To outline social care needs arising from SEN or disability.
Best Practice:
- Should include needs for supervision, emotional support, and daily living assistance.
- Example: “Needs adult supervision during transitions due to anxiety and risk of absconding.”
Tribunal Role: Can make recommendations (not binding).
Section E – Outcomes
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(e) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To define outcomes across education, health, and social care.
Best Practice:
- Must be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound.
- Should link directly to aspirations in Section A and needs in Sections B–D.
- Example: “By the end of Year 6, [Child] will read age-appropriate texts with 90% accuracy using phonics strategies.”
Note: Not directly appealable, but can be amended through consequential changes.
Section F – Special Educational Provision
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(f) of the SEND Regulations 2014; Section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014
Purpose: To specify the provision required to meet each SEN listed in Section B.
Best Practice:
- Must be detailed, specific, and quantified.
- Example: “1:1 teaching assistant support for 20 hours per week; daily 45-minute structured literacy intervention.”
Appealable: Yes. This section is legally binding and enforceable.
Section G – Health Provision
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(g) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To specify health care provision reasonably required due to SEN.
Best Practice:
- Should include therapy, medication, and clinical support.
- Example: “Weekly occupational therapy for sensory integration; epilepsy medication administered at 12pm daily.”
Tribunal Role: Can make recommendations.
Section H – Social Care Provision
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(h) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Subsections:
- H1: Provision under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.
- H2: Other social care provision reasonably required due to SEN.
Best Practice:
- Example: “H1: Transport assistance for school travel. H2: Weekly social skills group.”
Section I – Placement
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(i) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To name the school or type of institution.
Best Practice:
- Must be included in the final EHCP.
- Example: “Springfield SEN Unit, a mainstream school with specialist autism provision.”
Appealable: Yes. Parents can challenge the named school or request a specific one.
Section J – Personal Budget
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(j) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To detail any agreed direct payments or personal budget arrangements.
Best Practice:
- Should specify what the budget covers and how it will be managed.
- Example: “£1,200 annually for private speech therapy sessions.”
Section K – Advice and Information
Legal Basis: Regulation 12(1)(k) of the SEND Regulations 2014
Purpose: To list all reports and assessments used to inform the EHCP.
Best Practice:
- Should include dates and sources.
- Example: “Educational Psychology Report (Jan 2025), CAMHS Assessment (Feb 2025).”