EHCP (early years)
Information and additional support for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments and Plans
Education, Health and Care Plans are a holistic way of support planning for children and young people with SEND, looking at the whole person, their strengths and interests as well as their needs and challenges. Solutions will focus on what is important to the person concerned, as well as capturing the views of their parents and carers.
An EHCP is the means by which specialist educational support is assessed, planned for and captured. Schools can offer additional support either individually or in small groups. The school SENCO will be able to describe what additional support is being given and how effective it is. Where further assessment is undertaken, with the involvement of specialist knowledge, additional or different provision will be described in an EHCP, setting out what support is required so that desired outcomes may be met.
WATCH: What is an EHCP (opens new window)
From 1 April 2022 we are making some changes to the way we provide our SEND Service which we believe will help improve how we work with you. We're making the changes after we had feedback from families and those using the service and after our own self-evaluation for how we can most effectively support you and provide advice. For more information, visit digital comms for parents (OpenDocument text format) [488KB] (opens new window) .
SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It describes a wide spectrum of needs and challenges including:
- communication
- learning and processing information
- behaving and coping with social and emotional challenges
- sensory difficulties
- physical and medical conditions that affect life and learning
Because those affected by SEND need different levels of support from infrequent, flexible support to full-time care, it is important that they are at the centre of everything we do as we identify, assess and plan for support.
Special educational provision is help given to children with SEN as part of their EHCP. It can take many different forms, including group or individual work, or a personalised learning programme adapted to meet a child's specific needs. Read more about this provision in Education - Early Years.
A SEND Lead Worker is allocated to a child or young person with an EHCP. They will usually act as a single point of contact for the child / family, keep practitioners focused on the child/ family, empower the child / young person / family to make decisions and be heard and to coordinate actions agreed by practitioners and the family and avoid potential duplication.
Their level of involvement will vary according to the child or young person's needs but is likely to be particularly involved at key transition times. They will help to make sure things are being done in a timely way. Sometimes another professional will take the lead but the SEND Lead Worker can always be contacted to check what is happening. Their role may include:
- checking what other services / people are currently involved
- referring the child or young person and their family to other services as appropriate
- considering existing specialist assessments and ensuring further assessments are requested as needed
- attending reviews, Team around the Child (TAC) meeting, professionals meetings as appropriate
- arranging TACs as necessary
- supporting the child / young person / family to access information on the local offer
- discussing future options
- ensuring that a EHCP is written that supports your child to achieve specific outcomes.
In accordance with the SEND Code of Practice (DfE, 2015), the EYIA role is to:
- provide advice and guidance to early years providers on the development of inclusive early learning environments
- provide advice and guidance to ensure early years providers implement a graduated approach to SEND support
- support early years providers with making links between education, health and social care to facilitate appropriate early provision for children with SEN and their transition to compulsory schooling
An EYIA can work with children aged 0-5 attending an early years setting, or about to start in an early years setting, with;
- communication and interaction difficulties that regularly impacts on a child's learning and/or that of others
- cognition and learning difficulties that regularly impacts on a child's learning and/or that of others
- social, emotional and mental health difficulties / personal, social and emotional difficulties that regularly impacts on a child's learning and/or that of others
- medical, physical and sensory needs
Documents to help apply for an EHC assessment
The Wiltshire SEND Support Plan is a document that can be used for children and young people with identified SEND, to plan outcome-focused and person-centred support, concentrating on individual needs and priorities. It has information about the child's needs and the support they are getting and should be written and reviewed with the parent carer and young person. It reflects the four-stage cycle of 'Assess, Plan, Do, Review' and can help co-ordinate support if there are several professionals involved.
Not every child with SEND will require a SEND Support Plan. It is not a statutory document and some schools and settings will have their own approach to this level of support. As part of the request for a statutory EHC assessment, schools and settings are asked to provide examples of their approach to the assessment, planning, action and review of a child's needs and progress.
Wiltshire SEND Support Plan (Word doc) [53KB] (opens new window)
Here is some writing guidance for early years settings that may help when completing the SEND Support Plan template:
Send Support Plan Guidance (OpenDocument text format) [44KB] (opens new window)
If you are the young person or the parent / carer
The young person, their parent or carers and other people who know the child/young person well, may request an EHC needs assessment in writing, by post or email.
We always recommend that you speak to the SENCo in your child's school or educational setting before you ask the local authority to consider a request to start a needs assessment. Although a parent carer or young person can request an assessment, where possible it is better that an educational setting makes the request. This is because they will have the evidence that they have used the graduated approach to SEN support.
If you are considering requesting an EHC Needs Assessment, you should contact the SEND Team to discuss the request on: 01225 712620. SEND Lead Workers can help and advise you on next steps.
Request an assessment as a parent: Parent/Carer request for an EHCNA – Wiltshire (OpenDocument text format) [46KB] (opens new window)
Request an assessment as a young person aged 16 and under 25: Wiltshire Young Person's request to carry out an EHCNA (OpenDocument text format) [39KB] (opens new window)
You can also write to the SEND Team on how to request an assessment using these contact details:
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Service
Wiltshire Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JN
Email: statutorysen.service@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
Phone: 01225 712620
If you are a school or educational setting
Educational settings such as schools, in partnership with the young person and/or their parents or carers, can request an EHC Needs Assessment using the Wiltshire Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment request e-form and by adding relevant up-to-date evidence.
The e-form has a checklist for you to complete prior to starting the request.
EHC needs assessment request form for schools and settings
Schools and settings can request a PDF version of this form from the SEND Team if they are unable to use the electronic request form version. This form can be used to word-process a request as an alternative to the e-form. This form should only be used if an online application is not possible. The PDF version of the request form can be requested from the SEND team by phoning 01225 712620.
Such requests should be discussed at the review meeting as part of the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle. Parent/carers and professionals involved in the support for the child/young person should be invited to the meeting.
In considering whether an assessment is necessary, the local authority must have regard to the views, wishes and feelings of the child and the parent or the young person. There is a guidance document below with suggestions on how to gain the views of the child or young person as part of the assessment process. There is also a template that could be used with the child:
Information about me document (OpenDocument text format) [794KB] (opens new window)
Guidance document (OpenDocument text format) [43KB] (opens new window)
Once an EHC needs assessment is received?
If you have submitted a request using the e-form, you will get an automatic receipt by email and a copy of the form. If you have submitted a word-processed form, a representative from the SEN Team will confirm receipt of the request.
The local authority has six weeks from receiving the request to decide whether to go ahead with the EHC needs assessment.
The request will be considered by the weekly Discussion and Decision Group Meeting.
Walk through video for schools and settings
We have made a walk-through video on how to complete the e-form for schools and settings to watch before making a request for an EHC needs assessment.
View the walk-through video (opens new window)
Here is a sheet that answers some common questions and queries about completing the EHCNA request e-form:
EHC FAQs (OpenDocument text format) [17KB] (opens new window)
This is the parent or carer consent form which must be signed by the parent and uploaded as part of the submission. Schools and settings should ensure that the parent/carer is aware of the data protection statement and that this is giving consent to share information with other agencies as part of the decision-making process.
Parent or Carer consent form (OpenDocument text format) [770KB] (opens new window)
The local authority must have regard to the views, wishes and feelings of the child/young person in making the decision whether to agree to the needs assessment. Within the e-form, schools and settings have the option to upload their own document (such as a one-page profile) or they can complete the template below. The guidance document below also gives other ideas on how to gain the child's views.
Information about me (OpenDocument text format) [794KB] (opens new window)
The local authority must also have regard to the views, wishes and feelings of the parent/carer in making the decision whether to agree to the needs assessment for a school aged child. Within the e-form the school or setting has the option to complete a parent/carer sub-form, upload their own document (such as a letter from a parent or questionnaire) or they can complete the template below.
Parent carer views (OpenDocument text format) [12KB] (opens new window)
A costed provision map is necessary as part of an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment request and as part of an annual review of an existing EHC plan. It is a detailed breakdown of costs which show how a school is following the graduated approach, provides a clear record of the provision that is in place for the individual child/young person and the costs involved.
SEND Individual Provision Map (Excel doc) [61KB] (opens new window)
SEND Provision Map - Completed Example (Excel doc) [62KB] (opens new window)
After application
This group meeting is chaired by an SEN Team manager and is held weekly. The meeting has representation from the SEND Service, the educational psychology service, specialist education services and school SENCos. Other professionals from social care and health services may also attend.
The group will need to see written evidence that the school or setting has put in place all actions and interventions at the SEN support stage and how these actions have been monitored. The criteria used for this is in line with the SEND Code of Practice. They will also want to know about the parent or carer's views, wishes and aspirations and the child's or young person's views.
Following the meeting, the SEND Lead Worker overseeing the request will contact the parent or carer in writing or a young person over 16 if they may the request, to let them know the group's decision. The letter will always offer the opportunity to speak with the parents and with the setting to discuss the decision and next steps.
View the leaflet to find out more: Guidance document (OpenDocument text format) [43KB] (opens new window) .
How the Discussion and Decision Group is moderated
The Local Authority has introducing a new moderation and quality assurance process to make sure that decision making is consistent and fair and in the best interests of the child or young person. Appointed parent representatives from the Wiltshire Parent Carer Council and school SENCos will be supporting this process and attending group meetings. The moderation will not alter existing decisions but will provide feedback to the SEN team on the decision-making processes in place.
If the decision is made to go ahead with an EHC assessment
If the group agrees to carry out an assessment, a range of different people and services will be asked to provide advice and reports on the child or young person's needs, the provision required, and the outcomes expected to be achieved. This includes the views of the parent or carer, and the views, wishes and feelings of the child or young person.
Decision is made not to do an EHC needs assessment
Not every EHC assessment will lead to an EHC Plan. If the Discussion and Decision Group decides not to start an assessment, the parent and child (if over 16) will receive a letter. The letter will give the reason the group did not agree to the assessment.
It will also give details of independent advice and support available and the parent's right to mediation and to appeal the decision.
Following a EHC Needs Assessment
Once the assessment is completed, a Discussion and Decision Group will follow the Code of Practice and the evidence provided to see if it is necessary for the child or young person to have an EHC Plan.
If the group decides not to issue an EHC plan, the local authority must tell the parent or young person within 16 weeks of the date of the request for an assessment.
If the group decides to issue an EHC Plan it will first send out a draft plan for the parent or young person to review and comment on. It should then send out a final plan within 20 weeks from the date the assessment request was made.
Who can help
- Have a discussion with the SEN Co-ordinator at your child's school or educational setting about the different options available to support them. If possible, it is best to request an assessment in partnership with the school or setting. It's no quicker to request an assessment yourself, as the local authority still need to get advice from the school or educational setting.
- Call the SEN Team on 01225 712620. If you would rather start the process yourself, you're not sure about your options or your child does not attend an educational setting.
- You can get impartial support and advice from Wiltshire Parent Carer Council WPCC (opens new window) or from the Special Educational Needs Information, Advice and Support Service Family Action - SENDIASS (opens new window).
Mediation and disagreement resolution arrangements exist to help resolve issues for children or young people with SEN, including those who are being assessed for or who have an EHCP, where the normal school or college complaints routes have not reached a satisfactory outcome. Meetings aim to resolve any disagreements in a quick, informal way using a third party mediator to help reach a satisfactory resolution.
If your child is attending school, talk to their teacher, the SENCO (SEN Co-ordinator), or the head-teacher.
For information about Wiltshire's SEND Service, call: 01225 712620 and ask to speak with the duty SEND Lead Worker. Lines are open every weekday from 9am-4.30pm excluding bank holidays.
If a child is at imminent risk of harm or injury, please call the police on 999. If the child is at risk of significant harm, contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0300 456 0108 (out of hours Emergency Duty Service: 0300 456 0100).
0 - 5
If your child is of pre-school age talk to your health visitor or doctor.
If your child is already attending or about to start a pre-school, such as a nursery or play group, discuss your concerns with the SENCO (SEN Co-ordinator). If your child is under 5 and has been identified as needing specialist provision, the health service will inform us as well as giving you information about support services.
The education health and care (EHC) needs assessment process can take up to 20 weeks. An assessment does not always lead to an EHC plan but will provide more information about the child's needs and the support needed to meet their needs.
If the DaD1 meeting described above decides to carry out an EHC needs assessment, we will move onto the next stage.
Within 16 weeks of the request, we will ask for advice and information about your child's needs, the provision required to meet their needs and the outcomes they should be working towards. We will get this from:
- you (the parent) or young person (aged 16 to 25)
- the education setting
- health care professionals working or supporting the child or young person
- an educational psychologist
- social care services
- any person requested by you or young person where we agree that it is reasonable to do so
- any other advice and information that we may consider appropriate
This advice and information must be provided within 6 weeks of us requesting it and more quickly wherever possible.
By 16 weeks of the request the decision on whether to issue an EHC plan will be made by a multi-agency group called 'Discussion and Decision Group 2'.
Early Help Contact as part of an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA)
Wiltshire Council will be offering a new approach to providing support and advice to parents and carers and young people as part of the Education Health and Care Needs Assessment.
An early help adviser will make contact by phone and have a conversation focussing on a child or young person's social care needs. They will discuss what is working well and share information on various services or organisations which may be helpful. This conversation will be entirely voluntary so people can choose to take part or decline the invitation to talk. If the adviser cannot reach a family they will be sent a letter in the post. Wiltshire Council is taking this approach to help children and young people with SEND access information and advice early.
This service will only be available for parents/carers and young people who are not already working with a social services professional. This new approach will start on 1 December 2022 and will be reviewed in April 2023. The new approach is called Early Help Contact and will be used as part of the Education Health and Care Needs Assessment. Wiltshire Council Early Help Hub is in partnership with the SEND service in adopting this approach.
This group meeting is chaired by an SEN Service manager and is held weekly. The meeting has representation from the SEND Service, the educational psychology service, specialist education services and school SENCos. Other professionals from social care and health services will also attend.
The group will look at the information gathered over the assessment stage. They will look at the written evidence that the school or setting has put in place all actions and interventions at the SEN support stage and how these actions have been monitored. The criteria used for this is in line with the SEND Code of Practice. They will also want to know about the parent or carer's views, wishes and aspirations and the child's or young person's views.
Following the meeting, the SEND Lead Worker will contact the parent or carer in writing or a young person over 16 if they may the request, to let them know the group's decision. The letter will always offer the opportunity to speak with the parents and with the setting to discuss the decision and next steps.
This group meeting is chaired by the Head of SEND and Inclusion or delegated senior manager and is held fortnightly. The meeting has representation from leaders within the SEND Service, educational psychologists, special school leadership and health professionals. There may also be representation from other specialist and professional teams within education, health and social care.
The group makes decisions regarding high-cost specialist educational provision and placement requests, as part of an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This might, for example, be about a child or young person who is currently in a specialist provision but where more funding is required to support their very complex needs, or it may be regarding a request for specialist placement at an independent specialist provision.
The group will look at a range of evidence and views from the family, from specialists involved in the child or young persons' support and information from the current educational setting. Other issues may be considered when coming to a decision. This could be to discuss the Preparation for Adulthood/Independence outcomes or any travel considerations that may have impact on the child or young person's wellbeing. Where the request is for the child or young person to be educated away from home, the group will ensure that all local solutions have been explored.
Following the meeting, the SEND Lead Worker will feedback to the young person and/or their parent/carer regarding the outcome. The letter will always offer the opportunity to speak with an officer regarding the decision and to offer support with next steps.
An EHC plan may be needed if your child or young person's needs cannot be met through the support they are currently getting in their mainstream educational setting. Your education setting will have done everything they can and your child or young person still requires additional support. It may be that, despite the support provided, your child or young person is not making progress in their learning or development, or that the progress they are making is due to significant levels of support.
If we decide to issue an EHC plan, we will notify you and young person and everyone who was notified of our decision to consider whether an EHC needs assessment is necessary. We will allow enough time to prepare the draft plan and issue the final plan within the 20-week time limit.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) sets out clearly the parent, child or young person's views and aspirations for the future. It includes information and advice from professionals from education, health or social care, who know or are working with the child or young person. It describes the child or young person's special educational needs and their strengths. It states the outcomes that the EHC plan will support them to achieve. It also sets out the support to be given to the child to achieve the outcomes that are written in the EHCP. It is a legal document that the education setting must follow. It is also important that the plan prepares the child or young person for adulthood.
If we decide not to issue an EHC plan, this means that it has been decided that the child's needs can be met by the ordinary available funding, provision and support within their mainstream educational setting. The SEND Lead Worker will contact the parent/carer as soon as possible and usually by phone, to let them know of this decision.
They will also issue a letter notifying the parent/carer or the young person, the education setting they attend and the health service, giving the reason for the decision. A copy of the statutory assessment papers will also be included.
If you are concerned about this decision and the support your child may receive without an EHC Plan, you can request a 'way forward' with a Local Authority representative to discuss and plan future support for the child or young person within the setting.
If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal.
If your child is of pre-school age talk to your health visitor or doctor.
If your child is already attending or about to start a pre-school, such as a nursery or play group, discuss your concerns with the SENCO (SEN coordinator).
If your child is under 5 and has been identified as needing specialist provision, the health service will inform us as well as giving you information about support services.
If you would rather start the process yourself, you're not sure about your options or your child does not attend an educational setting please call the SEND Service.
For information about Wiltshire's SEND Service, call 01225 712620. Calls will be answered by one of our SEND Lead Workers. Lines are open every weekday from 9am-4.30pm excluding bank holidays. Outside these times you can leave a message and a SEND Leader will get back to you within 48 hours (excluding weekends).
If you require additional support when requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment you can get impartial support and advice from Wiltshire Special Educational Needs Information, Advice and Support Service Family Action - SENDIASS (opens new window) or Wiltshire Parent Carer Council (WPCC) (opens new window).
If a child is at imminent risk of harm or injury, please call the Police on 999. If the child is at risk of significant harm, contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0300 456 0108 (out of hours Emergency Duty Service: 0300 456 0100).
To find out about EHCP annual reviews and to access all the documents that support this process, please visit:
If you are a school, setting or professional, please refer to the guidance and forms that we have produced to support you in the annual review process by visiting: EHCP Annual Review Guidance Document 2023 (PDF) [8MB] (opens new window)
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