Education, Health and Care plans

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

Introduction

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We know waiting can be stressful, and we really appreciate your patience. Our staff are working hard to support children, young people and families. If you contact us, please speak to them with kindness and understanding – it makes a real difference.

Education, Health and Care plan waiting times

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/or disabilities

1Advice and support

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

  1. Understanding Special Educational Needs
  2. Identifying Special Educational Needs
  3. Getting SEN support and EHC plan advice
  4. SEND decision making in Somerset
  5. Education, Health and Care plan myth busting
  6. Understanding what Education, Health and Care plans are

    2Education, Health and Care needs assessments

    Find out how a request is made, how to find out the progress, and what happens during the needs assessment

    1. When a request for assessment is needed
    2. Make a request for an Education Health and Care needs assessment
    3. Deciding if an assessment is needed
    4. Completing the Education Health and Care needs assessment

      3Education, Health and Care plans

      Find out how the plan is drafted, sharing your preferences, and what happens after the plan is issued

      1. Drafting the Education, Health and Care plan
      2. Education, Health and Care plans and preparing for adulthood
      3. Education, Health and Care plans and school placements
      4. Education, Health and Care plans and choosing your support
      5. Issuing the Education, Health and Care plan
      6. Provision within the Education, Health and Care plan

        4Education, Health and Care plan reviews

        Find out about what happens at and after a review

        1. Education, Health and Care plan annual review meetings
        2. Education, Health and Care plan annual review decisions
        3. Phase transfers
        4. Education, Health and Care plans when moving into or out of Somerset
        5. When an Education, Health and Care plan might end

          5Right to appeal

          Understanding why decisions were made, and how solve issues or challenge decisions

          1. Resolving disagreements
          2. Education, Health and Care plans tribunals

            Last updated: May 26, 2026

            Next review due: November 26, 2026

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