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Ribbleton Avenue Methodist Junior School

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 who require more support than is normally available through SEN Support in school.

An EHCP identifies a child or young person’s:

  • Special Educational Needs (SEND)
  • Outcomes and long-term goals
  • Educational provision required
  • Health and social care needs where relevant

EHCPs are issued by the Local Authority and are designed to ensure that children and young people receive the support they need to access education and make progress.

At RAMJS, we work closely with families and outside agencies throughout the EHCP process and aim to ensure that children receive support that is personalised, inclusive and responsive to their needs.

The Graduated Approach

Before requesting an EHCP assessment, schools are expected to follow a graduated approach using:

  • Assess
  • Plan
  • Do
  • Review

This means school will:

  • Identify areas of need
  • Put support and interventions in place
  • Monitor progress carefully
  • Adapt provision where required
  • Work closely with parents and professionals

Many children with SEND make good progress through SEN Support without needing an EHCP.

When Might an EHCP Be Considered?

An EHCP may be considered when a child:

  • Has significant or complex SEND
  • Requires provision beyond what is normally available in school
  • Is making limited progress despite targeted support and interventions
  • Requires long-term specialist support
  • Needs coordinated support from education, health and social care services

This process is known as an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA).

Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment

A request for an EHC Needs Assessment can be made by:

  • The school
  • Parents or carers
  • A young person over the age of 16

The request is sent to Lancashire County Council (LCC) along with evidence showing:

  • The child’s needs
  • Support already provided
  • Progress over time
  • Advice from professionals involved

This may include:

  • School assessments and reports
  • SEND support plans / IEPs
  • Educational Psychology reports
  • Speech and Language reports
  • Medical information
  • Attendance and behaviour information
  • Parent and pupil views

What Happens Next?

Lancashire County Council will review the information and decide whether to carry out a full EHC Needs Assessment.

If agreed, the Local Authority may seek advice from:

  • Parents and carers
  • School staff
  • Educational Psychologists
  • Health professionals
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Other professionals involved with the child

The Local Authority then decides whether an EHCP is necessary.

If an EHCP is Issued

The EHCP will outline:

  • The child’s needs
  • The provision required
  • Outcomes and targets
  • Educational placement

School will then:

  • Implement the provision outlined in the EHCP
  • Review progress regularly
  • Work closely with parents and professionals
  • Hold an Annual Review meeting each year

Some pupils with EHCPs may access additional support through:

  • Small group provision
  • The Nest
  • SEMH support
  • Specialist interventions
  • Adaptive teaching approaches
  • Outside agency involvement

Annual Reviews

EHCPs must be reviewed at least once a year through an Annual Review meeting.

The review considers:

  • Progress towards outcomes
  • Current provision
  • Any changes in needs
  • Next steps and future planning

Parents, school staff, professionals and the child are invited to contribute to the review process.

Lancashire SEND Local Offer

Further information about EHCPs and the SEND process can be found on Lancashire County Council’s SEND Local Offer website:

https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/

You can also find information about:

  • SEND support
  • EHCP processes
  • Parent support services
  • Health and social care services
  • Local activities and support groups
  • Transition support
  • SENDIASS

Support for Families

We understand that the EHCP process can sometimes feel overwhelming. At RAMJS, we work closely with families throughout the process and aim to provide support, guidance and clear communication at every stage.

If you have concerns about your child’s needs or would like to discuss SEND support further, please contact Mrs Bleasdale (SENDCo) through the school office on 01772 792083.

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