Skip to content ↓

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Information for Parents and Carers

At Madginford Primary School, we believe that every child should receive the support they need to achieve, develop confidence and flourish.

Most children with SEND have their needs met through the support and adjustments provided within school. For some children, where needs are more complex or significant, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be appropriate.

An EHCP is a legal document that describes a child’s special educational needs, the support they require and the outcomes they are working towards.

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP brings together information about a child’s:

  • Education needs – how they learn and what support helps them access the curriculum;
  • Health needs – any health-related support required;
  • Social care needs – where appropriate, support needed beyond education.

The plan focuses on the child as an individual, including:

  • their strengths and interests;
  • their aspirations;
  • their views and wishes;
  • the barriers they experience;
  • the support needed to help them make progress.

Who might need an EHCP?

An EHCP may be considered for children and young people who:

  • have significant or complex SEND needs;
  • require support that is beyond what can normally be provided through a school’s SEND provision;
  • need coordinated support from education, health or social care services.

Having a diagnosis does not automatically mean a child will need an EHCP. The decision is based on the child’s individual needs and the support required.

How does the EHCP process work?

1. Identifying needs

School works closely with families to understand a child’s strengths, needs and barriers to learning.

Support may include:

  • quality first teaching;
  • targeted interventions;
  • adjustments within the classroom;
  • specialist advice where appropriate.

2. Requesting an assessment

If a child’s needs cannot be fully met through existing support, school or parents/carers can request an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment from the local authority.

The local authority considers:

  • the child’s needs;
  • the support already provided;
  • evidence from school and professionals;
  • the views of the child and family.

3. Creating the EHCP

If an EHCP is agreed, it sets out:

  • the child’s needs;
  • desired outcomes;
  • provision and support required;
  • how progress will be reviewed.

The Child’s Voice

Children and young people are at the heart of the EHCP process.

Their views, wishes and aspirations should be included wherever possible.

A This Is Me profile can support this by helping children share:

  • what they are good at;
  • what they enjoy;
  • how they learn best;
  • what helps them feel successful.

Annual Reviews

EHCPs are reviewed at least annually to make sure they continue to meet the child’s needs.

Reviews consider:

  • progress towards outcomes;
  • what is working well;
  • whether support needs to change;
  • the child’s current views and aspirations.

Parents, children and relevant professionals are involved in this process.

What Can Parents Do?

Parents and carers are important partners in the EHCP process.

You can:

  • share your knowledge of your child;
  • contribute your views and aspirations;
  • attend meetings and reviews;
  • ask questions and seek advice;
  • celebrate progress and achievements.

Useful Information and Support

Kent SEND Information Hub (Local Offer)

Information about SEND services, assessment processes and support available in Kent.

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/about-the-send-local-offer

Information, Advice and Support Kent (IASK)

Provides free, impartial advice and support for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND.

https://www.iask.org.uk/

Contacting Our SEND Team

If you have questions about SEND support or EHCPs, please speak with your child’s class teacher or contact our SEND team.

SENDCo: Mrs S Farrell
School Office Email: office@mps.kent.sch.uk
Telephone: 01622 734539

At Madginford Primary School, we work in partnership with families to ensure every child is understood, supported and given the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Cookie Policy