Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)
If you feel you, your child or young person (CYP) needs additional support speak to your educational setting’s SENCo to explore SEND Support (Inclusive Provision) already available in the setting. If after discussing with the SENCo you feel your CYP requires additional special educational provision, the SENCo can apply for an EHCNA on your behalf.
Who can request an EHCNA?
An EHCNA is usually requested by:
- Education settings
- Other professionals
- Parent carers
- Young people (aged 16 – 25)
What happens after I request an EHCNA?
When we receive your request the SEND team will contact the education setting for additional information. Your request will then be reviewed by Telford and Wrekin’s EHC Panel, which includes professionals from:
- Education
- Health
- Social care
Within 6 weeks of the date of request, you will receive a phone call and letter from the SEND team with the decision as to whether an assessment will take place or not.
If Local Authority has not agreed to an EHCNA then you will be invited to a Moving Forward Meeting. This meeting is a chance to discuss the decision with the SEND Officer and the education setting. At the meeting the Local Authority will work with you to agree actions. This will be recorded in a Moving Forward Agreement, so that you understand the support that will be put in place by the education setting.
If the Local Authority has agreed to carry out an EHCNA the SEND team will begin to request advice from education, health and social care professionals.
What happens during the EHCNA process?
An EHCNA is a process that looks at every aspect of a CYP’s life, not just their educational needs. Its purpose is to identify the full extent of their needs and determine the support required across education, health, and social care.
Throughout the assessment, parent carers and the CYP play an active role by sharing their views on what support is needed and aspirations for the future. The Local Authority may also gather information, advice, and reports from a range of professionals including:
- Education professionals
- Health professionals
- Social care professionals
- Other relevant specialists
The process may also involve observations and/ or assessments to build a complete picture of the CYP's strengths and challenges.
What happens after the EHCNA process?
Following the assessment process, the Local Authority will decide whether the CYP's needs can be met through SEND Support (Inclusive Provision) or if an EHCP is necessary.
You will be informed of the decision by week 16 of your request.
If an EHCP is not issued you will be invited to a Moving Forward Meeting. This meeting is a chance to discuss the decision with the SEND Officer and the education setting. At the meeting the Local Authority will work with you to agree actions. This will be recorded in a Moving Forward Agreement, so that you understand the support that will be put in place by the education setting.
If an EHCP is issued you will be invited to attend a Moving Forward Meeting to co-produce the EHCP with a member of the SEND team. During the draft stage (16 - 20 weeks), parent carers will be given an opportunity to provide a preference of an educational setting. The Local Authority will then send the draft plan to the education setting who will decide if they can meet the CYP's needs. This is called consultation.
The entire process from request to final EHCP should take no more than 20 weeks.
Where can I go for more information and support?
If you have any questions about the EHCNA process, you can contact the SENCo at your child or young person’s education setting. They can help guide you through the process and answer any queries.
You can also contact SENDIASS for free, impartial, and confidential information and support. They can help you understand your rights and options at every stage.
How do I request an EHCNA?
To ensure that your child meets the criteria, we would advise that in the first instance you liaise with your SENCo/ Keyworker. You can request an EHCNA by completing the request form and sending it to the SEND team.