In September 2014, a new approach to planning and assessment of support for children and young people with special educational needs (SEND) was introduced through the SEND Code of Practice.
The Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) replaced the Statement of Special Educational Needs process. One of the main changes was that it would ensure that support would be in place from the ages of 0 through to 25 years old where there is an identified special educational need and where the learner is in education.
The purpose of the plan is to provide a coordinated process for children and young people with the most complex arrangements across education, health, and social care.
An EHCP must:
• Establish and record the views, interests and aspirations of the child or young person.
• Provide a full description of the child or young person’s special educational needs and any health and social care needs.
• Establish outcomes across education, health and social care based on needs and aspirations.
• Specify the provision required and how education, health and care services will work together.
The long- term focus should be on preparing for adulthood and the young person: A good quality education, health and care plan will contain a ‘golden thread’ that connects the aspirations of the child or young person (or the aspirations of the family for the child) with their needs, provisions, and outcomes.
Department for Education quality criteria for an EHCP
• Meets the requirements of the Act, Regulations and Code of Practice
• Describes positively what the child or young person can do.
• Tells the child/young person’s story well.
• Is clear, concise, easily understandable, and accessible to all.
• Is co-produced with the family and young person.
• Sets SMART targets and outcomes.