As a parent of a neurodivergent child, you face many challenges and joys. 17% of children have one or more developmental disabilities. One important step to help your child is understanding the Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) process. But where do you start? In this EHCP guide for parents, we’ll give you the key information and tips to help you support your child’s needs. With the help of Goally, let’s get started on learning about EHCPs!
Table of Contents
What is an EHCP? The Basics You Need to Know
An EHCP is a special plan that talks about the extra help a child or young person (0-25 years old) needs for school, health, and daily life. The EHCP process can be tricky, but knowing what it is and how it works is important for helping your child. In this section, we’ll break down the basics of EHCPs and how they can benefit your child.
- Finding needs: The EHCP process starts with a test to find out what your child needs and what help they should get.
- Making the plan: After the test, you will create a plan just for your child. It says what help they need for school, health, and daily life.
- Putting the plan into action: The EHCP is then used to give your child the help they need.
- Checking on progress: The plan often under review to make sure it still works for your child and helps them.
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Understanding the EHCP process is essential for parents, as it can greatly impact your child’s success.
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Asking for an EHCP Test: The First Step
As a parent, you have a crucial role in kickstarting the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) process for your child. If you believe your child requires additional support, reaching out to your local authority and requesting an EHCP assessment is the way to go. In this section, we’ll guide you through the necessary steps to initiate an EHCP assessment, ensuring you’re well-equipped to advocate for your child’s needs. Follow this EHCP guide for parents.
- Write a letter: Tell your child’s needs, what help they get now, and why they need an EHCP test. Add any reports from people who have helped your child.
- Send your request: Send your letter to the local authority’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) department. Keep a copy for yourself.
- Wait for an answer: The local authority must answer you in six weeks. They will say yes to the test or give a reason for saying no.
- Fight a “no” answer: If they say no, you can fight the decision with mediation or by going to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal.
Requesting an EHCP assessment is the first step in securing the support your child needs.
Getting Ready for the EHCP Test: Collecting Proof
Once the local authority says yes to the EHCP test, you need to collect proof that shows your child’s needs and what help they need. In this section, we’ll discuss the different sources of information you should gather to support your child’s EHCP assessment.
- Reports from professionals: Get reports from people who have helped your child, like teachers, therapists, or doctors.
- Your own notes: Write down what you see about your child’s strengths, challenges, and what help works for them.
- Your child’s thoughts: Add what your child thinks and feels about their needs and the help they want.
- Extra papers: Collect any other papers that might help, like Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or past tests.
Gathering evidence is crucial for a successful EHCP assessment. By combining your own observations with professional reports and tools like Goally, you can ensure your child’s needs are accurately represented during the assessment process.
Making the EHCP: Working Together for Success
After the test, the local authority will decide if an EHCP will be put in place. If so, they will work with you, your child, and other people to make a plan. In this section, we’ll share tips on how to collaborate effectively with professionals to create a successful EHCP for your child.
- Be clear: Say exactly what help your child needs, like special tools, therapies, or changes at school.
- Make goals you can measure: Make clear goals for your child’s progress that you can check on.
- Include different types of help: Think about your child’s school, health, and daily life needs. Make sure the plan helps with all of these.
- Stay involved: Be a part of making the plan. Speak up for your child’s needs and make sure their best interests come first.
Creating an effective EHCP requires collaboration and dedication. By staying involved and using resources like Goally, you can help ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive.
Checking and Reviewing the EHCP: Making Sure It Keeps Working
When the EHCP is in place, you need to check that it keeps working and go to regular reviews. This makes sure the plan stays up-to-date and keeps helping your child. In this section, we’ll discuss how to monitor and review your child’s EHCP to ensure its continued success.
- Talk with professionals: Keep talking with the people who help your child. Share any worries or successes.
- Write down progress: Keep notes on your child’s progress, any changes in their needs, or how well the help is working.
- Go to reviews: Go to yearly EHCP review meetings. Give your thoughts on your child’s progress and any changes needed in the plan.
- Know your rights: If you think the EHCP is not working well, you can fight the local authority and ask for changes.
Regularly monitoring and reviewing your child’s EHCP is essential for ensuring its effectiveness.
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EHCP Guide for Parents
With this simple EHCP guide for parents, you’re ready to understand and use the EHCP process for your neurodivergent child. By knowing the steps, speaking up for your child’s needs, and working with other people, you can help your child get the support they need. Remember, you are your child’s biggest helper, and your part in the EHCP process can make a big difference in their school life. With the help of Goally, you can be confident in navigating the EHCP process and supporting your child’s success.
This post was originally published on 12/01/2022. It was updated on 06/23/2023.
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