How to complete Section A of an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Section A is your chance to tell us about your child. It helps us understand who they are, what is important to them and what they want for the future.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) has sections A to K. Each section covers a different area of your child's needs and support.
Section A is one of the most important parts of the EHCP because it contains the views, wishes and aspirations of you and your child.
About Section A
Section A has 2 parts:
- a section for you as a parent or carer
- a section for your child or young person
There is no right or wrong way to complete Section A.
Remember, you know your child better than anyone else.
What to include
We will ask you to complete Section A early in the process, usually after we agree to carry out an Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment.
You can include information about:
- your child's strengths
- their special educational needs
- what they enjoy doing
- what helps them learn and succeed
- their wishes and goals
- your hopes for their future
Thinking about the future
Section A should include aspirations for the future.
These may relate to:
- education and learning
- employment
- independence
- supported living
- health and wellbeing
- friendships and social activities
For younger children, aspirations may focus on the next stage of education, such as:
- moving to a new key stage
- moving to a new school
The aspirations in Section A should guide the rest of the EHCP. The support and outcomes in the plan should help your child work towards these goals.
Tips for completing Section A
Include as much detail as possible
Tell us about:
- your child's strengths
- the challenges they face
- what works well for them
- strategies, support or approaches that help them
Talk to people who know your child
Teachers, family members and other professionals may help you think about what is important to include.
Include supporting evidence
You may have reports from professionals who know your child well.
You can ask for these reports to be attached to the EHCP as supporting evidence in Section K.
Be honest
It is important to describe both your child's strengths and the challenges they face.
This helps us understand the support they need.
Including your child's views
Every child should have the opportunity to contribute to Section A.
Some children can complete their section independently. Others may need support.
If your child is unable to complete the section themselves, you can write it on their behalf. Try to use their own words and explain what is important to them.
For example:
- "I like playing the drums."
- "I enjoy swimming with my friends."
- "I love football."
Check your completed Section A
Before you return Section A, ask someone who knows your child well to read it.
They may help you identify anything that has been missed.
At EHCP meetings, remember that the views, wishes and aspirations in Section A should remain at the centre of all discussions and decisions.
Get help
If you need support to complete Section A, contact the SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
SENDIASS can provide free, impartial information, advice and support for children, young people and families.