Quick Guide: What Is an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP)?
Education Health and Care Plan – 2026 Definition
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legally binding document in England that sets out the education, health, and social care needs of children and young people aged 0–25 with special educational needs (SEN) that require support beyond what a mainstream school can provide. It is multi-agency, coordinated by the local authority (LA), and reviewed annually. As of January 2025, there were 569,700 active EHCPs – a 15.8% increase from the previous year (DfE Data 2025).
Key Criteria: Who Qualifies for an EHCP Today?
- The child/young person must have or may have SEN.
- They may need special educational provision (SEP) made via an EHCP because their needs can’t be met through normal school resources alone.
- Multi-agency evidence—such as from CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services), SALT (Speech and Language Therapy), OT (Occupational Therapy)—is crucial.
Recent Updates Impacting EHCPs (2024–2026)
- No changes to statutory frameworks; still based on the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Regulations 2014.
- New guidance for local authorities (2025–2026) reinforces phasing deadlines (e.g., amended EHCP by Feb 15 for transfers) and funding for 0-25-year-olds via the High Needs Block.
- Standardized EHCP templates are being introduced to reduce local variation and simplify plan transfers between councils.
- In 2024, only 46.4% of EHCPs met the 20-week statutory time limit for issuance.
Top 5 Reasons to Request an Education Health and Care Plan in 2026
Personalized Support for Complex Special Educational Needs
EHCPs are tailored to each child’s unique educational, health, and social care requirements. Research consistently links personalized plans with better outcomes, satisfaction, and engagement. In 2024–2025, 93.6% of EHC needs assessments led to an EHCP, highlighting the process’s strong personalization and utility for those in need (Evidence).
Integrated Health and Social Care Provisions
The EHCP process ensures effective collaboration between educators, health professionals, and social care teams, reducing barriers and improving access to vital therapies and interventions. Data integration is linked to improved service delivery and outcomes (Review).
Access to Specialist Settings and Resources
EHCPs secure funded places in specialist schools or additional therapies, e.g., SALT or assistive technology, that wouldn’t be available otherwise. In 2024, 154,000 requests for EHC assessments were made—a rise of 11.8%, driving increased access to tailored resources (DfE Stats).
Legal Rights for Children, Young People, and Families
EHCPs confer legal duties on local authorities to deliver the support specified. Parents and carers can appeal failures or inadequacies to the SEND Tribunal, with high success rates for families (SEND Network).
Long-Term Educational Security Up to Age 25
Plans offer security for ongoing provision through transitions—including post-16 settings—enabling positive life outcomes, better preparation for adulthood, and access to employment.
Real Stories: How EHCPs Changed Lives in 2026
Case Study 1: Navigating Primary to Secondary Education with an EHCP
A young person with hearing impairment and anxiety moved successfully from primary to secondary school using an EHCP targeting social skills and independent learning. Measured outcomes included progression from anxious withdrawal to job placement and work experience, supported by data-driven progress checks and teacher reports (Case Reference).
Case Study 2: Parental Perspective – The EHCP Assessment Process
Parents described frustrations with slow assessments but recognized the value of specific, enforceable EHCP wording. In one case, provision of daily check-ins reduced behavioral issues and supported stable school placement, underscoring the importance of clear, quantifiable support in the plan (Stewarts Law 2026).
Spotlight: Young Person’s Experience with EHCP Reviews
A neurodiverse secondary student reported that regular EHCP reviews allowed adjustment of goals and support mechanisms. Measurable improvements were tracked in social engagement and attendance, demonstrating increased empowerment and inclusion.
Step-by-Step: Securing an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in 2026
Visual Timeline: From Request to Plan Issuance
| Weeks | Stage | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 0–6 | Request Received | LA decides whether to assess; notifies applicant (right to appeal if refused) |
| 6–16 | Gathering Evidence | Input from education, health, and care professionals gathered |
| 12–16 | Decision to Issue | LA issues a yes/no decision and notifies by week 16 |
| 16–20 | Draft and Consult | Draft EHCP sent for comment, preferred placement feedback, and consultation |
| By 20 | Final EHCP Issued | Final EHCP with settings named is issued; two-month appeal window |
| Ongoing | Annual Review | Yearly review to update and adapt the plan |
Checklist: Documents and Evidence You’ll Need
- School or college reports (showing SEN impact)
- Recent assessments (educational psychologists, therapists, health professionals)
- Medical reports and diagnosis (if applicable)
- Parent and young person’s views
- Actions and outcomes from any previous SEN support
Infographic: The EHCP Assessment Journey
- Submit EHC needs assessment request (parent, young person, or school)
- Local Authority decision (within 6 weeks)
- Multi-agency professional assessment and evidence gathering
- Draft EHCP issued for consultation
- Final EHCP issued naming provision and placement
- Appeals process (if applicable)
- Annual review and updates
EHCP Comparison Table: EHCP vs. IEP, IHP, & Previous Support Plans
What’s New in 2026? Legislative and Practical Differences
| Aspect | EHCP | IEP | IHP | Legacy Statement (pre-2014) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Status | Yes (Children & Families Act 2014) | No | No | Yes (historic) |
| Scope | Education, health, and social care | Education only | Healthcare only | Education only |
| Eligibility | Complex needs unmet by school resources | All levels of SEN | Medical condition requiring support | Similar to EHCP, narrower |
| Process & Timescales | 20-week maximum; annual review | No set timeline | Termly review | Annual review; phased out |
| Legal Rights & Funding | Parental appeal rights, funding, placement guarantee | No legal appeal rights | No legal appeal rights | Rigid, now obsolete |
| Recent Trends (2024–2026) | Standardized templates; increased demand, only 46.4% on time | No changes; still first SEN step | No major reforms; supports EHCP | Phased out |
| Pros | Enforceable, holistic, secure long-term | Quick, flexible | Targeted for health | Historic structure |
| Cons | Delays, variable LA practice | Not enforceable | Limited scope | Obsolete |
Pros and Cons Overview
EHCP: Comprehensive and enforceable but subject to delays. IEP/IHP: Fast, accessible, less robust legally. Legacy Statements: Outdated structure.
Top Resources for Parents and Carers in 2026
Government & Local Authority Guidance Links
- GOV.UK SEND Guidance: Official rules, how to request EHCP, appeal rights
- DfE Explore Education Statistics: EHCP numbers, timeliness, and outcomes
Template Letters, Forms, and Toolkits
- IPSEA Model Letters: For requesting, reviewing, or appealing EHCPs
- SEN-Help Downloads: Sample requests, templates, and legislation summaries
Best Independent Advice and Support Services
2026 Policy Alerts and Newsletters Subscription Picks
FAQ: Your Most Pressing EHCP Questions Answered
- Are EHCPs being discontinued under new reforms?
No. EHCPs remain essential, though reforms encourage more robust early support. - What are the 2026 phase transfer deadlines?
Feb 15 for most, March 31 for secondary/post-16. Delays risk gaps in support. - How long does it take to get an EHCP in 2026?
Statutory maximum of 20 weeks. Only 46.4% achieved this in 2024. - How can I appeal an EHCP decision?
You may appeal decisions or content to the SEND Tribunal within two months of being issued the final plan. - How are annual reviews managed?
Annual multi-agency reviews are mandatory and crucial for adjusting support and funding. - Are EHCP templates the same everywhere?
They are standardized nationally from 2026 for consistency and portability. - What parental and student rights exist during EHCP phase transfers?
Both can request/prefer schools or colleges—LAs must review and amend plans by deadlines. Missed targets can be appealed.
Further Reading and Support for Education Health and Care Plans
- GOV.UK: Official information & statutory guidance
- IPSEA Guides: Rights, process, and advocacy for families
- Council for Disabled Children’s EHCP Hub: Implementation guidance
- Latest DfE Statistics: Up-to-date trend and process data
Need further EHCP support? Contact IPSEA’s free helpline or sign up for updates on GOV.UK SEND changes.