EHCPs Explained Simply (For Parents Who Feel Lost in the Jargon)
So, you’ve heard the word EHCP thrown around by school, doctors, or that mum on Facebook who swears by hers… and you’re sat there thinking: “What on earth is it and do I need one for my child?”
Deep breath, love. Grab a brew. I’m about to break it down in plain English — no jargon, no fancy legal talk, just the stuff we actually need to know as parents.
What is an EHCP?
EHCP stands for Education, Health and Care Plan.
Think of it as a legal promise that says:
👉 here’s what your child struggles with
👉 here’s the support they need
👉 here’s who has to provide it
It’s not just a school thing either — it can cover health and social care too. Basically, it’s a safety net that means your child doesn’t fall through the cracks.
Who Can Get an EHCP?
Here’s the big myth: it’s not only for children in special schools or kids with the highest level of need.
If your autistic child, ADHD’er, or sensory seeker is struggling to access education the same as their peers, you can ask for one. Yep — even if they’re bright as a button academically but the school day wipes them out emotionally or sensory-wise.
How Do You Apply for an EHCP?
Right, here’s the boring bit simplified:
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You (or the school) ask your local council for an EHCP assessment.
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The council decides whether to assess (they’ve got 6 weeks for this).
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If yes, they gather reports, assessments, and your parent views.
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If they agree your child needs extra support, they issue the EHCP.
Top tip: you don’t need the school’s permission to apply. Parents can go direct to the council with a written request.
What Does an EHCP Include?
The official doc has sections labelled A–K, but let’s be honest, that sounds like alphabet soup. Here’s the mum-friendly version:
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A = your child’s story (your chance to be heard)
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B = their needs (what they struggle with)
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F = provision (the actual support they must give) ← the gold dust section
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G/H = health and social care bits
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The rest is admin fluff, but still important.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EHCP?
In theory, the law says 20 weeks. In reality? Sometimes it’s longer. Councils are slow, schools are stretched, and you’ll feel like you’re living in email ping-pong.
Don’t panic if it drags — keep pushing, keep asking, and keep notes of every meltdown, teacher chat, and letter.
Do EHCPs Actually Help? (The Honest Mum Take)
Short answer: yes. Long answer: sometimes it’s a battle to get the right wording in there, but once you’ve got it, it’s legally binding. That means school can’t just say “we don’t have the resources” — they have to deliver what’s in that plan.
It’s not a magic wand, but it’s the strongest tool we’ve got as parents.
Tips for Surviving the EHCP Process Without Losing Your Mind
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Keep a diary of meltdowns, anxieties, exclusions — all of it is evidence.
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Gather reports (SENCo, paediatrician, speech & language).
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Don’t be afraid to appeal. Loads of parents do and win.
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Look after yourself too — this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Where to Get Extra Help With an EHCP
You don’t have to do this alone:
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SENDIASS (free service in every area to guide you).
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Online parent groups — full of mums who’ve been there, cried there, got the EHCP.
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Blogs (like this one 💜) where we share the real mum-to-mum version.
Final Thoughts
If the EHCP process feels like climbing Everest in flip-flops, you’re not wrong. It’s hard, it’s emotional, and it takes forever. But it can change everything for your child’s school life.
Remember: you are your child’s best advocate. You know them better than anyone, and your voice matters. So don’t give up. 💜
✨ Pin this for later if you’re mid-EHCP chaos — or share with another parent who needs the simple version.
Check out more posts!
Transitioning from reception to year 1 & why its so hard
Masking at school: Why sensory kids hold it together all day then unleash at home
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