What the final Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will include, what to do when you get it, if you disagree with it, and if your child's needs change.
Once we've considered your comments on the draft Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), we'll issue a final version.
The final EHCP is a legal document.
It describes:
- your child or young person's needs
- the support they must receive
- the outcomes they're working towards
- the school or setting they'll attend
The final EHCP should normally be issued within 20 weeks of the original request for assessment. There are sometimes delays and you can read more about this on our Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment improvement plan page.
What happens when the final EHCP is issued
You'll receive a copy of the final EHCP. The education setting your child will attend will be named in Section I.
The school or setting named in the EHCP will also receive a copy. The support described in the EHCP should then be put in place.
The special educational provision described in Section F of an EHCP is legally enforceable. This means Bristol City Council must ensure that the support written in the EHCP is arranged and provided.
The support should not depend on:
- available budgets
- staffing levels
- resources available at the school
What to do when you receive the final EHCP
Take time to read through the plan carefully. Check that:
- all needs are included
- the support is clear and specific
- any agreed changes have been made
- the correct school or setting has been named
Keep a copy of the EHCP somewhere safe. You may need to refer to it in the future.
If you disagree with the final EHCP
If you disagree with parts of the final EHCP, you have the right to challenge the plan.
This could include disagreements about:
- the description of needs
- the support included
- the outcomes
- the school or setting named
- a personal budget
The final EHCP should explain your rights and how to access mediation and appeal services.
Find out more on our resolving disagreements about SEND provision page.
Reviewing the EHCP
Every EHCP must be reviewed regularly. The review looks at:
- progress towards outcomes
- current needs
- support in place
- whether any changes are needed
You can find out more about reviews on our annual reviews and changes to your child's Education, Health and Care Plan page.
If support is not provided
If you're concerned that support in the EHCP is not being provided, it's usually best to speak with the school or setting first. Many concerns can be resolved quickly through discussion.
If concerns continue, you may wish to contact:
Keep a record of any concerns and communication.
Advice and support
If you'd like information, advice or support with the final EHCP process, you can contact the following organisations:
- Bristol Parent Carers is a charity run by parent carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They support all families, regardless of their child's type of need or diagnosis status.
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SEND And You (SAY) is Bristol's SEND Information, Advice and Support Service. They provide free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support for parent carers and young people about SEND law, rights and processes.
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Bristol City Council SEND Team can help with questions. You can email the team at sen@bristol.gov.uk. Please take note of our waiting times which are explained on our Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment improvement plan page.
