Education, Health and Care plans

The step-by-step process for getting support for children and young people who have significant special educational needs or disabilities.

Introduction

In this section we will explain the process of support for children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities. We know families will be at different stages in their journey along the graduated response pathway so you may know exactly what you are looking for.

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Education, Health and Care plans: Step by step

The process of support for children and young people who have significant special educational needs and disabilities

1Advice and support

Information on what SEND is and the support that an EHC plan provides

  1. What are Special Educational Needs?
  2. How will I know if a child or young person has Special Educational Needs?
  3. Who can support you when navigating SEN support?
  4. What support can having an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan) provide?
  5. Education, Health and Care plan myth busting

2Requests for EHC needs assessments

Find out how a request is made, who can make the request and how to find out the progress

  1. Making a request for an Education Health and Care needs assessment
  2. When to request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment
  3. Who can make a request for an Education Health and Care needs assessment?
  4. The Education Health and Care needs assessment process
  5. Tracking progress of the Education Health and Care needs assessment
  6. Collaborative Outcomes Meetings Guide
  7. How does Somerset make its decision relating to SEND?
  8. Where to get more help during the Education Health and Care plan process?

3The EHC plan

More information on the plan and how decisions on SEND are made

  1. Education, Health and Care plans and preparing for adulthood
  2. Education, Health and Care plans and school placements
  3. Education Health and Care plans and choosing your own support
  4. Provision within the Education Health and Care plan
  5. Moving into or out of Somerset

4EHC plan reviews

Find out about what happens at and after a review

  1. Education, Health and Care plan annual reviews
  2. Education, Health and Care plan after the annual review
  3. Ceasing an Education, Health and Care plan

5What if I don't agree?

  1. What if I do not agree with decisions surrounding SEND processes?
  2. Education, Health and Care plans tribunals

Last updated: October 24, 2025

Next review due: April 24, 2026

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