When is an EHC Plan Needed?
If a child or young person has SEND that cannot be met through the school's usual provision, an EHC Plan may be necessary. This could be due to a range of factors, such as:
Learning difficulties
These might include dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism.
- Dyspraxia: difficulty in performing coordinated movements, often associated with a neurodevelopmental condition in children (developmental coordination disorder).
- Dyslexia: a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language.
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.
Emotional and behavioural difficulties
These might include anxiety, depression,ODD, or ADHD.
- Anxiety: a feeling of unease, like worry or fear. It's an understandable reaction in children to change or a stressful event. But for some children, anxiety affects their behaviour and thoughts on a daily basis. This can interfere with their school, home and social life.
- Depression: in children often include: sadness, or a low mood that does not go away. being irritable or grumpy all the time. not being interested in things they used to enjoy. feeling tired and exhausted a lot of the time.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): is a type of behaviour disorder. Children with ODD are uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Developmental problems may cause ODD. Or the behaviours may be learned.
Physical disabilities
These might involve mobility impairments, sensory impairments, or chronic health conditions.
Communication difficulties
These might include speech and language impairments or hearing loss.
What Support Can Be Included in an EHC Plan?
EHC Plans can provide a wide range of support, tailored to the individual needs of the child. This can include:
Educational support
This might involve additional teaching hours, specialist resources, or alternative curriculum provision.
Therapeutic support
This might include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy.
Social and emotional support
This might involve counselling, social work, or behaviour therapy.
Medical support
This might include nursing care, medication, or adaptations to the school environment.
Transport
This might involve providing transport to and from school or other activities.
Equipment
This might include assistive technology, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or computers.
Accommodation
This might involve providing a special classroom or other adapted environment.
When is an EHC Plan Needed?
If a child or young person has SEND that cannot be met through the school's usual provision, an EHC Plan may be necessary. This could be due to a range of factors, such as:
How to Request an EHC Plan
The process for requesting an EHC Plan varies slightly from place to place, but generally involves:
- Initial discussion: Talk to your child's school about your concerns and discuss the support they are currently receiving.
- Assessment: If the school agrees that your child may need an EHC Plan, they will request an assessment from the local authority.
- Development of the plan: The local authority will assess your child's needs and develop an EHC Plan tailored to their individual requirements.
- Review and implementation: The EHC Plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is meeting your child's needs.
Key Elements of an EHC Plan
An EHC Plan typically includes:
- Personal information: The child's name, date of birth, and other relevant details.
- Assessment outcomes: The results of any assessments that have been carried out.
- Needs and outcomes: A clear statement of the child's special educational needs and the desired outcomes.
- Provision: Details of the support that will be provided, including the type of provision, the setting, and the responsible parties.
- Review arrangements: A plan for regular review and updates to the EHC Plan.
Physical disabilities
These might involve mobility impairments, sensory impairments, or chronic health conditions.
Communication difficulties
These might include speech and language impairments or hearing loss.