Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) | Children and Families Newcastle

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document given to some children and young people with additional needs. It is for those with needs that cannot be met with the support and resources normally available in schools and settings.

It explains:

what they are good at
what they need help with
what goals they are working towards
what support they should get.

Most children and young people with additional needs won’t need an EHCP. They should already be able to get the extra support they need from SEN support in schools and settings with a SEN support plan.

A smiling child in a modified chair holding the arm of a smiling woman.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document. It describes a child or young person’s special educational needs or disabilities. It also sets out the support they need to help them learn and develop.

Requesting an EHCP

Parents, carers, young people or a professional can apply for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment.

What happens during an EHC needs assessment

The assessment involves gathering information about the child or young person’s education, health and care needs. We use this information to help us decide whether an EHCP is needed.

Reviewing an EHCP

A review will happen at least once a year. Reviews ensures;

needs are being met
progress is monitored
we respond to any changes.

Citizen Portal for assessments and reviews

This portal is a secure way for parents, carers and professionals, to view documents, information and the status of an EHC assessment or review.

What to do if unhappy about a decision

If you are unhappy with a decision about a request for an EHCP or about the content of an EHCP, you can appeal.

Need advice or help with EHCPs?

The SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SEND IASS) can help. They give free, confidential, and impartial education advice.

Visit their Parents and Carer and Children and Young People pages to find out how they could help. They also have useful information on their SEND IASS Padlet.

Contact SEND IASS

Education and SEND