Embarking on the journey of securing an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) for your child can feel like navigating uncharted waters. As a parent, you play a pivotal role in advocating for your child’s unique needs within the education system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps on how to apply for an EHCP as a parent.
Yes, you read that right – we’re here to demystify the process and empower you with the knowledge you need. So, if you’re wondering how to apply for an EHCP as a parent, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in and explore the crucial steps in this transformative journey. How to apply for an EHCP as a parent? Stick with us, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
How to Apply for an EHCP as A Parent
An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that sets out the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) of a child or young person and the support they will need to meet those needs. EHCPs are created by local authorities in England and are designed to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the support they need to thrive in education.
Who is eligible for an EHCP?
Any child or young person aged 0-25 can be assessed for an EHCP if they have SEND. SEND is defined as having a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision, either alone or alongside the usual differentiated curriculum.
How to apply for an EHCP
To apply for an EHC plan as a parent, you should follow these steps:
- Contact your local authority’s SEND team. You can find their contact details on the website.
- Explain why you think your child may need an EHCP. Be clear about your child’s needs and how they are impacting their education.
- Provide evidence of your child’s needs. This could include reports from your child’s school, doctors’ assessments, and your own observations and notes.
- Attend an EHC needs assessment meeting. This meeting will be held with you, your child, and other professionals who have worked with your child.
- Receive a draft EHC plan. Once the assessment is complete, your local authority will create a draft plan. You will have at least 15 days to comment on the draft plan before it is finalized.
- Receive a final EHC plan. Once the draft plan has been finalized, your local authority will issue you with a final EHC plan. This plan will be legally binding and your local authority will be responsible for ensuring that your child receives the support they need.
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The EHC needs assessment
Once you have applied for an EHCP, your local authority will carry out an EHC needs assessment. This assessment will involve gathering information about your child’s needs from a variety of sources, including your child’s school, any other professionals who have worked with your child, and yourself.
The EHC needs assessment should take no longer than 20 weeks to complete. Once the assessment is complete, your local authority will decide whether or not to issue your child with an EHCP.
If your child is issued with an EHCP
If your child is issued with an EHCP, your local authority will work with you to create a draft plan. This plan will set out your child’s needs and the support they will need to meet those needs.
You will have at least 15 days to comment on the draft plan before it is finalized. Once the plan is finalized, it will be legally binding and your local authority will be responsible for ensuring that your child receives the support they need.
Tips for parents applying for an EHCP
Here are some tips for parents applying for an EHCP:
- Be prepared to provide evidence of your child’s needs. This could include reports from your child’s school, doctors’ assessments, and your own observations and notes.
- Be clear and concise about your child’s needs and the support you think they need.
- Be persistent and don’t give up. If you are not happy with the decision made by your local authority, you can appeal.
Getting help and support
There are a number of organizations that can provide help and support to parents applying for an EHCP. These include:
- SENDIASS: SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services) is a free and confidential service that provides information, advice, and support to parents and young people with SEND.
- IPSEA: IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Educational Advice) is a charity that provides free and confidential legal advice to parents of children with SEND.
- Contact a Family: Contact a Family is a charity that supports families with disabled children.
Conclusion
Applying for an EHC plan can be a complex and challenging process, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are a number of organizations and resources available to help and support you along the way.
By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success. Be clear and concise about your child’s needs, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
With the right support in place, you can ensure that your child receives the education and care they need to thrive.