What is an EHCP?
5 min read · updated 2026-09-01
An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a legally binding document in England that names the specific support a child with special educational needs is entitled to across education, health and care.
Who needs one
Most children with additional needs are supported through their school's ordinary SEN support. An EHCP is for when that support is not enough: the child needs provision beyond what the school can fund or deliver on its own. Parents, schools or young people can request a needs assessment from the local authority.
The process, briefly
The local authority decides within weeks whether to assess, then gathers evidence from the family, school and professionals. If a plan is issued, it names the outcomes and provision, and the family can comment on the draft, including a preference for a specific school. Timelines are long (up to 20 weeks), so starting early matters.
Where tutoring fits
One-to-one tutoring can complement an EHCP's named provision: the pace, environment and explanation style adapt entirely to the child, and progress reports provide extra evidence for annual reviews. Tell the tutor about the plan's outcomes so sessions reinforce them.
FAQs
Does an EHCP guarantee a specific school?＋
Families can request a preference, and the local authority must name it unless it is unsuitable or inefficient for others. Evidence (reports, tutoring progress notes) strengthens the case.
How long does an EHCP last?＋
Until the child leaves education or the local authority ceases the plan, with annual reviews checking outcomes and provision.
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