The purpose of the EHCP is to ensure that a child or young person with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities receives the support they need across all areas of their life, including education, health, and social care. However, there is a common misconception that an EHCP is required for a child to receive any additional support. This is not true—schools have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to support students with additional needs, whether or not they have an EHCP.

The EHCP provides a more formalized and legally binding approach to securing support and ensures that the appropriate services are working together to meet the child’s needs.

Key Questions:

1. What is the misconception about EHCPs and the need for additional support?

   • Many people mistakenly believe that a child must have an EHCP in order to receive any additional support or funding. In reality, children can receive support through other means, such as through school-based interventions or through the provision of reasonable adjustments. The EHCP is a more formal route for children with complex needs who require multi-agency support.

2. In what circumstances might a young person not need an EHCP to receive additional support?

   • A young person may not need an EHCP if the support they require can be provided through the school’s existing resources and interventions. For example, a child with mild learning difficulties may receive extra help from a teaching assistant without needing an EHCP.

3. How does the EHCP ensure that reasonable adjustments are made for young people?

   • The EHCP ensures that reasonable adjustments are made by specifying the type of support and accommodations the child needs. These adjustments may include things like additional learning time, tailored teaching strategies, or physical adaptations to the school environment. The EHCP outlines the exact nature of these adjustments to ensure the child has equal access to education.