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Education, Health and Care plans and preparing for adulthood

Changes in headings used in the EHC plan help focus thinking and preparation

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Education, Health and Care plans

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

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Part of
Education, Health and Care plans

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

Headings of an EHC plan for children and young people in year 9 and above

The SEND Code of Practice (2015) emphasised the need for successful preparation for adulthood for those with SEND, which must be considered from year 9 onwards.  To help focus this thinking, there is a distinction in the headings within Section B of EHC plans (special educational needs) based on the age of the child or young person.

Heading in Section B (Special Educational Needs)

Early Years – Year 8Year 9 and above
Early Years – Year 8Cognition and LearningYear 9 and aboveLearning and Work
Early Years – Year 8Communication and InteractionYear 9 and aboveCommunity and Friends
Early Years – Year 8Sensory and/or Physical
Social, Emotional and Wellbeing
Year 9 and aboveBeing Healthy
Early Years – Year 8Self Help and Independence Skills and Keeping SafeYear 9 and aboveLiving Independently

It is important to note that once a child reaches year 9, their EHC plan will not be automatically amended to update these headings unless there is reason to make other amendments to the plan through the annual review process.  For many children in years 9, 10 and 11, it is therefore likely that the existing headings will remain in Section B until their EHC plan is updated as part of the year 11 phase transfer process.  Preparation for adulthood will however be discussed within the annual review process from year 9 onwards.

Last updated: November 13, 2024

Next review due: May 13, 2025

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