How to read an EHCP: sections A to K in plain English
An EHCP is split into lettered sections. Here is what each one is for, and which ones matter most when you check a draft plan.
An EHCP can run to dozens of pages, and the lettered sections can feel like a code. Once you know what each section is for, a draft plan becomes much easier to check. If you would like help keeping track of your child’s plan and paperwork, SENguru is building free tools for exactly that, and there is more at the end.
A few terms first
- EHCP means Education, Health and Care Plan, a legal document from your local authority (LA, the council).
- SEND means special educational needs and disabilities.
- Special educational provision means the extra or different support your child needs to learn, such as speech and language therapy or one-to-one help in class.
- Outcomes are what the support is meant to help your child achieve.
What the law says a plan must contain
The Children and Families Act 2014 says a plan must specify your child’s special educational needs, the outcomes sought, the special educational provision required, and any health care and social care provision that is reasonably required (section 37).
The SEND Regulations 2014 then say the LA must set these out in separate, lettered sections (regulation 12).
The sections, one by one
| Section | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| A | The views, interests and aspirations of your child and you |
| B | Your child’s special educational needs |
| C | Health care needs that relate to their special educational needs |
| D | Social care needs that relate to their special educational needs or a disability |
| E | The outcomes sought for your child |
| F | The special educational provision your child requires |
| G | Health care provision reasonably required |
| H1 | Social care provision the LA must make under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 |
| H2 | Any other social care provision reasonably required |
| I | The name (or type) of the school or other setting |
| J | Details of any personal budget arranged as a direct payment |
| K | Appendices: the advice and information gathered during the assessment |
This list follows regulation 12, which also says each section must be separately identified.
Why some sections matter more
Section B describes needs. Support can only be written into the plan for needs that are recorded, so it is worth checking that nothing important is missing. The reports in Section K are a good place to compare against.
Section F is the section most families focus on, because it sets out the special educational provision your child requires. Once support is in the plan, the LA has a duty to secure it (section 42).
Section I names the school or type of setting. Section I and the sections about education (B and F) are the parts you can appeal if you disagree (GOV.UK).
Section A is your chance to put your child’s voice and your own views on the record, in your words.
From year 9, the plan must include provision to help your child prepare for adulthood and independent living (regulation 12(3)).
Questions to ask when you read a draft
These are practical prompts, not legal tests:
- Does Section B reflect what the reports say, and what you see at home?
- Does each need in Section B have matching support in Section F?
- Are the outcomes in Section E clear enough that you would know whether they had been met?
- Is the support described specifically, or in vague terms such as “access to” or “as appropriate”?
- Does Section I name the setting you asked for?
- Are all the reports you expected listed in Section K?
Write your comments down, with page or paragraph numbers, and send them in writing. Keep a dated copy.
Where to get help
For advice about your own child’s plan, contact IPSEA, SOS!SEN, Contact or your local SENDIASS, the free and impartial information and advice service in your area.
How SENguru can help
SENguru is an asset-locked community interest company (CIC) founded by two SEND parents. We are building free tools: a correspondence tracker, a behaviour and communication log, a plain-English guide with deadline tracking, and EHC plan draft review. We are nearly ready for beta testers, and the free version is planned for early 2027. Join the waitlist at senguru.co.uk.
This post is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, contact IPSEA or SOS!SEN.