It’s not easy, it’s certainly not quick, but the benefits of an EHCP make this process absolutely something worth fighting for.
Securing an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for a child with special needs and/or disabilities is a crucial step in ensuring that they receive the appropriate support and resources to thrive in their educational journey. The EHCP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific educational, health, and social care needs of a child and the provisions required to meet those needs. For parents and caregivers navigating the complexities of the UK’s educational system, obtaining an EHCP can be transformative in ensuring their child receives the personalised support they require. However, for various reasons, it can be difficult to secure an EHCP, even when the child in question meets the criteria for an EHCP under the Children and Families Act. Here at Sunshine Support, we have an award-winning team ready to step in and support you.
Tailored Support to Meet Individual Needs
One of the primary benefits of an EHCP is the provision of tailored support to meet the unique needs of the child. Unlike the more generalised support offered through SEN Support at school level, such as an IEP (Individual Education Plan), an EHCP is a legally binding document which will identify a child’s needs and set out specific provision to meet those needs, which often falls outside that which the school would ordinarily put in place. This ensures that the child’s educational, health, and social care needs are comprehensively assessed and met. Whether it involves specialist teaching methods, additional classroom assistance, or therapeutic interventions, the EHCP provides – or should provide – a clear framework for delivering the appropriate support. Sometimes, for various reasons, parents find their child’s EHCP is vaguely worded and unclear. In this case, Sunshine Support can offer guidance and practical support to rectify such a shortcoming. Read on for more signposting…
Legal Protection and Accountability
An EHCP provides legal protection for the child and their family, whereby the Local Authority discharges the process of delivering the provision to the named school. Nevertheless, the Local Authority remains legally accountable for ensuring that provision is delivered; no if, but or maybe about it: this is a legal document. This legal obligation creates a level of accountability that is crucial for parents advocating for their child’s needs. If the support outlined in the EHCP is not being delivered, parents actually have the right to challenge the Local Authority via Judicial Review. If you disagree with the description of your child’s SEND, or the provision set out to meet those needs, or even if you disagree with the named school, you may escalate the issue to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal. This level of protection and enforceability is not available through less formal support arrangements (such as an IEP), making the EHCP a powerful tool for securing the appropriate resources.
Here at Sunshine Support, we’re excellent at supporting parents who are struggling with various aspects of their child’s SEND journey. From a free 30 minute chat and a free Cuppa&Chat meeting (both online and in-person), to a fantastic Sunshine Academy subscription services and webinars, as well as our highly regarded SEND Advocate team, we’re here to support you on so many levels. Read on to learn more about our upcoming EHCP events!
Enhanced Access to Resources and Funding
With an EHCP in place, children are entitled to additional resources and funding that may not otherwise be available. This could include access to specialised equipment, one-to-one support, or specific educational programmes that cater to their needs. The plan can also facilitate access to health services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or counselling, which are essential for many children with SEND.
The allocation of these resources is vital in providing a holistic approach to a child’s education, addressing their wider developmental needs alongside their academic progress. In addition to SMART targets, the EHCP can track the progress of the child, with the provision being tailored at each annual review to ‘grow’ with the child as they develop. The EHCP can also be kept in place beyond school, up until the age of 25 or when the young person goes to University – both mean the plan will cease. But there are many forms of other further education where an EHCP would provide specific, tailored support to allow that young person to achieve their potential.
Improved Collaboration Between Agencies
An EHCP encourages better collaboration between educational, health, and social care agencies. The process of creating the plan involves input from various professionals, including teachers, healthcare providers, and social workers, as well as the parents who know the child best, ensuring a coordinated approach to the child’s care and support. This multi-agency collaboration is crucial in addressing the diverse and often complex needs of children with SEND, ensuring that all aspects of their development are considered and supported.
Greater Long-Term Outcomes
Ultimately, securing an EHCP can significantly improve the long-term outcomes for a child with special needs or disabilities. By providing the necessary support from an early stage, the EHCP helps to ensure that the child can achieve their full potential in education and beyond. This can lead to children with SEND having the right tools to meet their full potential, greater confidence, increased independence, and a more positive future outlook. This is why we’re so passionate about SEND support here at Sunshine Support – our children with SEND are legally entitled to an education that is equitable and accommodates their needs, but it can feel like the system is ‘against’ you despite the massive benefits of having an EHCP in place. With our support, you could successfully apply for an EHCP, with a wonderful outcome.
In need of help securing an EHCP? Sunshine Support can help you.
Keen to learn more on the benefits of an EHC? Join us: The Ultimate Online Guide To Successfully Applying For An EHCP
On the 17th of September 2024, SEND Advocate and Education Consultant, Kelly Jarvis, will be covering the following:
- What is an EHCP
- At what point do we need to go to appeal
- Who qualifies for an EHCP and what is “the legal test”
- Who can request an EHC Needs Assessment
- How you request an assessment
- What does the Local Authority consider when you submit a request
- EHCP Myths
- What evidence is needed to support an application
- Should you invest in private assessments
- What should be included in an EHCP request letter
- How to submit a request
- What happens after you’ve submitted a request
- Who to approach for advice
- Time frames – how long does the process take?
Tickets for this EHCP webinar are selling very quickly – Kelly is fantastic and very highly respected so we encourage you to book quickly to avoid disappointment.
How To Write Your EHCP Application: In-Person Event
Join our advocates for the day on the 10th of October as they guide you through the EHCP application process. They will explain the key legislation relating to the EHC needs assessment process, so you understand the legal test and the information you need to evidence in your parental request letter – knowledge is power!
The day includes both training and a practical opportunity to make a start on your letter alongside our advocates who will be on hand to answer your questions. Our expert advocates will train you in all you need to know to get that EHCP application written and underway with your local authority, all in the comfort of our wonderful Sunshine Community Hub in Derby. With lunch and refreshments provided, this is a day you should NOT miss out on!
(The letters will be checked on the day IF they’re complete and IF time allows. Anything requested of the advocates after the event will need to go through our advocacy service. Please see below what is included on the day.)
