Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are legal documents that outline the support a child with special educational needs (SEN) or a disability is entitled to. EHCPs are designed to ensure that every child has access to the support they need to reach their full potential in education and beyond.
In the UK, the process of obtaining an EHCP can be complex and time-consuming. Often, schools are reluctant to apply for an EHCP due to the funding and resource implications.
DID YOU KNOW schools are responsible for covering the first £6000 of any EHCP before additional funding is provided by the local authority? While this may be a reason why schools are sometimes hesitant to apply for an EHCP, it is not an excuse to deny a child the support they need. Therefore, it is important for families to understand that their child has the right to an EHCP if they have SEN or a disability that requires additional support to access education.
At SENNIES, we understand the challenges that families face when navigating the EHCP process. We offer support packages to families to ensure that their child receives the support they are entitled to. Our team of experienced professionals work with families to understand their child’s needs and help them to access the right support.
Our support packages include:
Application for EHC Needs Assessment: Let us take care of the entire application process, including a thorough review of all reports and documents you may have. (Package cost: £500)
Reviewing a Draft Plan: We support you through this crucial step by undertaking a thorough review of the draft plan, and all supporting documents. We ensure the EHCP is compliant with SEND legislation, all needs are clearly identified, all provision is specific and quantified, all professional recommendations have been included, all outcomes are SMART and the plan is sufficient and fit for purpose. (Package cost: £310)
Writing Grounds of Appeal: We can help you start your appeal on a strong footing by writing extensive and thorough grounds of appeal. We undertake a detailed review of all your reports and other documents and draw on all relevant legislation and case law. (Package cost: £1000)
Ongoing Appeal and Tribunal Support: For ongoing cases, who are currently preparing for tribunal, we offer bespoke packages to support the working document process. (Package cost: £65 per hour)
Bespoke Support: We can also offer individualised support and advice about EHCP’s and many other aspects of education, SEN and Disability. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss a bespoke package of support that fits your family. (Package cost: £65 per hour)
At SENNIES, we believe that every child deserves the best possible education and support. Our aim is to empower families to ensure that their child receives the support they need to achieve their full potential.
If you are a family with a child with SEN or a disability, and you are struggling to access the support you need, please contact us to learn more about our support packages as we offer a FREE 30-minute consultation call. We are here to help you navigate the EHCP process and ensure that your child receives the support they are entitled to.
We have partnered with the excellent Alison who currently delivers our EHCP support.
Alison is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience supporting disabled children in various roles and providing EHCP support. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with Health Studies and a Master's in Social Work, with knowledge of key legislation.
An education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can provide a number of benefits for a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Some of the key benefits include:
Personalized support: An EHCP provides a detailed and tailored plan of support that is unique to the child's individual needs. This includes educational, health, and social care provisions.
Clear objectives: The EHCP sets out clear objectives and outcomes that the child should achieve. This helps to focus support and ensures that progress can be tracked effectively.
Access to additional resources: An EHCP can provide access to additional resources, such as specialist equipment, technology or therapies, that can support the child's learning and development.
Improved communication: The EHCP is a collaborative process involving parents, schools, local authorities and health professionals. This can help to improve communication and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Greater involvement: An EHCP gives parents and young people greater involvement in the decision-making process, ensuring that their needs and preferences are taken into account.
Overall, an EHCP can provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to supporting a child with SEN, helping to ensure that they have the best possible chance to succeed and reach their full potential.
Obtaining and Appealing an EHCP in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
The EHCP process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important for families to understand the steps involved in obtaining and appealing an EHCP.
Step 1: Request an Assessment
The first step in obtaining an EHCP is to request an assessment from the local authority. This can be done by the child’s parents, the school, or any other professional who works with the child. The local authority has six weeks to decide whether to carry out an assessment.
Step 2: Assessment
If the local authority decides to carry out an assessment, they will gather information from the child, their parents, the school, and any other relevant professionals. This information will be used to determine whether the child has SEN or a disability that requires additional support.
Step 3: Draft EHCP
If the local authority decides that an EHCP is necessary, they will produce a draft EHCP. The draft will outline the support the child is entitled to, including any additional funding that may be required.
Step 4: Consultation
The local authority will consult with the child, their parents, and any other relevant professionals on the draft EHCP. The consultation period is usually 15 days.
Step 5: Final EHCP
After the consultation period, the local authority will produce a final EHCP. The final plan will outline the support the child is entitled to, including any additional funding that may be required.
Appealing an EHCP
If the local authority decides not to carry out an assessment or if the final EHCP does not provide the support the child needs, families have the right to appeal. The steps for appealing an EHCP are as follows:
Step 1: Mediation
Before starting the appeals process, families must first consider mediation. Mediation is a process where an independent mediator helps the family and the local authority reach an agreement on the EHCP.
Step 2: Appeal
If mediation is unsuccessful, families can appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SEND Tribunal). The SEND Tribunal is an independent tribunal that hears appeals against decisions made by local authorities regarding EHCPs.
Step 3: Hearing
If the appeal proceeds to a hearing, the SEND Tribunal will hear evidence from the family, the local authority, and any other relevant professionals. The SEND Tribunal will make a decision based on the evidence presented.
Step 4: Review
If the family is successful in their appeal, the local authority will be required to produce a new EHCP that meets the child’s needs. The EHCP will be reviewed annually to ensure that the support provided is meeting the child’s needs.
In conclusion, obtaining and appealing an EHCP can be a complex process, but it is important for families to understand their rights and the steps involved. Seeking support from professionals who have experience in the EHCP process can be helpful in navigating the system and ensuring that the child receives the support they need.
Please contact info@sennies.co.uk or call 020 805 03068 if you would like to discuss any of our family support packages in more detail.
More information on our family support packages can be found here - https://www.sennies.co.uk/support-packages
If you are ready to start a Full-time Sennie (SEN childcarer) search, please call 020 805 03068 or email anita@sennies.co.uk as we would be delighted to assist you!
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