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Schools and education

Education, health and care plan (EHCP)

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) sets out what is needed to meet a child or young person's special educational needs (SEN) in order to achieve the best possible outcomes in their education, health and social care, and also to prepare them for adulthood.

Creating a EHCP

See guidance for completing an EHCP on the YorOK website.

You can download an EHCP template.

Contents of a EHCP

An EHCP is a 'statutory' working document which must follow the guidance and key principles of the 'Special educational needs and disability code of practice: 0 to 25 years', and actively promotes co-ordinated support to make a difference.

We use the information from a SEN assessment to:

  • establish/record views, interests and aspirations of the parents and child/young person
  • describe their special education, health and social care needs
  • determine 'outcomes' across these areas based on their needs and aspirations
  • specify required 'provisions' (what's needed) for them
  • state how those services will work together to meet needs, offer support and achieve outcomes

Ensuring a child/young person and their family are central to the process of creating a EHCP means we can:

  • consider their views, wishes and feelings
  • place importance on their participation in decisions
  • provide information and support to enable them to make decisions
  • support them to facilitate their development

Key information held in EHCPs

A EHCP includes all key information needed by those who support a child/young person.

The format supports a 'tell it once approach' so that families, authorities, schools and colleges do not have to re-write detailed information - it's already contained in an accessible document, plan or report.

Personalised information in EHCPs

Photographs, symbols, pictures and diagrams added throughout a EHCP present information in a way that suits the age and stage of a child/young person (Pupil voice gives more information on supporting children/young people in expressing their views).

Within a EHCP, family members (parents, grandparents, siblings and other closely-involved relatives) can make a combined or separate contribution, allowing a sharing of a range of views and opinions.

Changes to 'Statements of SEN'

Between 1 September 2014 and 31 July 2018, all children with 'Statements of SEN' will be transferred to an EHCP - see our EHCP Transition plan guidance.

Also see

Special Educational Needs Services

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Telephone: 01904 554336