An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document in England that sets out the support a child or young person with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is entitled to. For many families of autistic children, securing an EHCP can be life-changing — but the process can feel overwhelming.
Who is an EHCP for?
An EHCP is for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who have SEND that cannot be met through standard school support. It covers education, health, and social care needs in one joined-up document.
How do you apply?
Any parent, carer, young person (aged 16+), or school can request an EHC needs assessment from the local authority. You do not need a formal autism diagnosis to apply, though evidence of need is important. The local authority must respond within 6 weeks of receiving the request.
What happens during the assessment?
The local authority will gather information from you, your child's school, and relevant health and social care professionals. They will then decide whether to issue an EHCP. If they agree to proceed, the full process — from request to final plan — should take no longer than 20 weeks.
What should an EHCP include?
A good EHCP should clearly describe your child's needs, the outcomes you are working towards, and the specific provision that will be put in place to meet those needs. Vague language like “regular support” is not sufficient — provision should be specific, detailed, and quantified.
What if you disagree with the outcome?
If the local authority refuses to carry out an assessment, or if you disagree with the content of the EHCP, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Your local SENDIASS service can provide free support throughout this process.
How Shine Through Autism can help
We run workshops specifically covering the EHCP process, and our team can help you understand your rights and prepare for meetings. Contact us to find out more or to register for an upcoming session.