The Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan is an exciting new way of working that puts you – children, young people and families – at the very centre of the assessment and planning process, to make sure that your views are not only heard but also understood.  This is called person centred planning and is all about increasing your choice and control.  This new process focuses on what is important for children and young people – what they and you want to achieve now and in the future.  Young people and families have helped to design the plan and so far people are saying that they feel more listened to and more involved in decision-making in ways that make sense to them. 

Who is an EHC Plan for?

The EHC plan is for children and young people who have special educational needs (SENs) and/or disabilities.  Your child’s needs will be assessed by education, health and social care professionals to see if you should have a EHC plan.  

What age does an EHC Plan cover?

Disabled and SEN children and young adults aged 0-25.

How long does it take to complete an EHC assessment?

The whole process lasts 20 weeks.

How does it work?

At the start of the assessment, you and your child will have the opportunity to say what’s working, what’s not working and what you think needs to change.  Information from the other people involved will be shared and a meeting arranged for you all to agree the outcomes and how you think they can best be met.  At the end of this process, the multi-agency group will meet again to confirm the EHC plan and decide what support you might be eligible for to meet the agreed outcomes.  The plan will be clear about how much things cost and will have agreed timescales to make sure that it is updated and reviewed regularly, for example annually.  The plan will go with your child or the young person as they change services or change schools.

How is the EHCP reviewed?

As your child grows and develops, their EHCP may require updating. Each year, you will be invited into school for an Annual Review meeting. This is where your child's progress can be discussed and a decision can be made as to whether any changes to their EHCP are needed. 

If you need more help to complete any forms or for independent advice and support about needs assessments and EHC plans you can contact  Trafford SENDIASS. Tel: 0161 912 3150 email: sendiass@trafford.gov.uk