The Draft EHCP

After an EHC Needs Assessment, if it is agreed that an EHC Plan (EHCP) is required, the Local Authority will first create a Draft EHCP. This stage is your opportunity to suggest any amendments to the Plan. You get 15 days to suggest these amendments and express a preference for an educational setting. After those 15 days, a Final EHCP will need to be issued in order for the Local Authority to meet their statutory duty.

The IPSEA guide contains lots of useful information on what needs to be in an EHCP, but it is also important for you to check the draft EHCP to ensure that the provisions/outcomes for You/Your Child are clearly set out and defined.

Click here to visit the IPSEA guide.

In an EHCP, Special Educational Provision must be specific. If there are words which are vague, these could be misinterpreted and may dilute the provision that is needed. Words and phrases like ‘regular' or 'as required’ can cause particular difficulties so should be avoided.

With regard to the outcomes detailed in the EHCP, these need to be SMART, as outlined in the list below:

Specific - who & what? - A clear statement of what is trying to be achieved.

Measurable - by how much? - How will you know when the change has occurred? Can the measurements be obtained

Achievable - How? Is there a realistic chance of reaching the goal?

Relevant - Why? Are they linked to the aims and goals of the Child or Young Person?

Time-Bound - When? - After what time should the goals be met?

It is important to remember that if an outcome is not Time-bound, it will be impossible for it to be Measurable!

• A maintained school or nursery (mainstream or special)
• An Academy (mainstream or special)
• A Further Education setting (i.e a college or sixth form)
• A non-maintained special school
• A Section 41 (independent) school.