EHCP advice please

[GG1986]

My dd was diagnosed with adhd and autism last year. We currently don't have an EHCP, is this something we should apply for or is it mainly for children with higher needs that need specialist school etc? Thanks

EHCPs aren’t just for those requiring special school. Many with EHCPs are in mainstream schools. They are based on needs rather than diagnosis, and without knowing more it’s impossible to say whether you should request an EHCNA or not. If you haven’t already it is worth reading IPSEA or SOSSEN’s websites.

The legal bar for an EHCP needs assessment is actually quite low (regardless of what a school/local authority may say). It is:

• whether the child or young person has or may have special educational needs (“SEN”); and
• whether they may need special educational provision to be made through an EHC plan.

There's more info here: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/asking-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

I would also say that I've known two DC at grammar schools with EHCPs so it doesn't just cover DC who are working at below expected levels of attainment. A good EHCP will also cover social/emotional development and also independence skills. They can last up until 25.

@Toomanyminifigs following an upper tier case last year, in some circumstances EHCPs can last until 26.

Thanks @ThomasWasTortured that's useful to know.

Thank you so much.