Amending an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) must be reviewed at least once every 12 months through an annual review. Not every annual review will result in changes to the plan.
If changes are needed, the recommendations from the annual review will be sent to the SEND service for consideration.
When an EHCP may be amended
An EHCP may be amended when:
- there have been significant changes to a child or young person's needs
- a child is moving to a new phase of education
- there is a change of school or education setting
- there is a change of address
- there are changes to health or social care provision
Any proposed changes will be reviewed by the SEND service. In some cases, the EHCP may need to be considered by an EHCP panel before a decision is made.
Reviewing the proposed changes
If we decide to amend the EHCP, we will send you:
- a copy of the current EHCP
- a draft amended EHCP showing the proposed changes
You will have 15 days to review the draft plan and respond.
During this time, you can:
- confirm you agree with the proposed changes
- provide comments on the draft EHCP
- request changes to the proposed amendments
- ask to meet with a member of the SEND team
- tell us your preferred school or education setting
Choosing a school or education setting
If you are considering a new school or education setting, we recommend visiting the setting before making your preference known.
The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) can discuss your child's needs and how the setting may be able to support them.
Consulting schools and education settings
Once we know your preferred school or education setting, we will consult with them. This means we ask whether they can meet your child's needs and provide the support described in the EHCP.
If your child is moving to a new phase of education, such as starting school or moving to secondary school, the amended EHCP will be shared with your preferred setting as part of this process.
Schools and education settings usually have 15 days to respond.
Receiving the final amended EHCP
Once consultations have been completed and any changes agreed, we will issue the final amended EHCP.
After the final amended EHCP has been issued, you may have the right to appeal against parts of the plan if you disagree with the decision.
Get support
If you need help understanding the proposed changes to an EHCP, contact the Westmorland and Furness SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
SENDIASS provides free, independent information, advice and support to families.