The final Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan

The local authority must issue a final EHC plan within 20 weeks of the assessment request. Any changes made should be the ones you asked for at the draft stage.

The local authority must secure the special educational provision written into plan.  The NHS Integrated Care Board must arrange the health provision.

5 cartoon people from different ethnic backgrounds.  One is in a wheelchair and 2 are wearing glasses.

If you and your family have questions about the content of the EHC plan

Contact SENDSARS first.  They are there to support you and your child/young person.

You can appeal to the SEND tribunal or take part in mediation if you have concerns about the content of the plan.  You have:

  • two months from the date of the decision letter to lodge an appeal, or
  • one month from the date of issue of a mediation certificate

The date goes on whichever is dated the most recent.

Important to note

The EHC plan must be reviewed at least once a year. 

More information

SSENDIAS (Sheffield SEN and Disability Information Advice and Support) can give impartial information, advice and support with the EHC needs assessment process.

IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Education Advice) have published a useful checklist.  This helps you check the plan section by section. You can download it from their website.


The Council for Disabled Children have published a selection of good practice examples from real EHC plans.