Spelt Out
Free guide for families
Words to watch in an EHCP
The support in Section F of an Education, Health and Care Plan must be detailed and specific, and should normally say how much: what support, how often, for how long and who gives it (SEND Code of Practice, paragraph 9.69). These common phrases often mean it doesn't. If you see them in a draft plan, you can ask for them to be changed. You have at least 15 days to respond to a draft plan (SEND Regulations 2014, regulation 13).
| If the plan says | Why it matters | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| "access to" | Your child can have access to support without ever receiving it. | What will be provided, how often, for how long and who gives it. |
| "opportunities for" | An opportunity does not require the support to happen. | A statement that the support will be provided, how often and by whom. |
| "as required", "if required" | Leaves how much support to someone else's judgement. | How often and for how long. |
| "as appropriate" | What is "appropriate" is a matter of opinion. | Exactly what will be provided. |
| "regular", "regularly" | Has no fixed meaning. | How often, for example once a week. |
| "up to" | "Up to 10 hours" could mean no hours at all. | The exact amount. |
| "would benefit from" | A hope, not a promise. | A statement that it will be provided, how often and by whom. |
| "input from", "support from" | Says who, but not how much. | How often and for how long. |
| "such as", "e.g.", "etc." | Examples leave it open which support your child will get. | The full list of what will be provided. |
| "as advised by" | Advice can change; the plan should not. | The advised support written into the plan itself. |
| "key adult" | Does not say who, or with what training. | Their role, their training, and whether it is the same person each time. |
| "small group" | Does not say how small. | The largest number of children in the group. |
Three more checks
- Every need in Section B has support to meet it in Section F.
- The outcomes in Section E say what your child will achieve, and by when.
- Speech and language therapy should normally be in Section F, as educational support, not in Section G (SEND Code of Practice, paragraph 9.74).
Free help
Your local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) gives free, impartial advice. IPSEA (ipsea.org.uk) gives free legal advice on special educational needs. For complex cases, or if you are thinking about an appeal, get independent advice.
General information, not legal advice. Made by Spelt Out (speltout.co.uk), which is building a service to check EHCPs. Share and print this guide freely.