School support, SEND and EHCPs

Understanding school support, SEND and EHCPs

If your child has, or may have, ADHD or autism, understanding how schools can support them can feel overwhelming, especially with unfamiliar terms like SEND and EHCP. This guide explains the general concepts in plain English for families in England. It is educational information only; for advice specific to your child, speak to your school's SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator), your local authority, or a qualified professional.

What "SEND" means

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. In England, schools have duties to identify and support children whose learning needs differ from most children of the same age, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis. ADHD and autism can both fall under SEND, but a diagnosis is not always required for a school to put some support in place.

Levels of support: a general picture

Schools generally use a graduated approach to support, often described using terms like:

• Universal support: good general classroom practice that benefits many children, such as clear instructions, visual timetables or seating adjustments.
• SEN Support: additional or different support arranged by the school, without necessarily needing a formal diagnosis or an EHCP. This might include small-group work, individual strategies, or support from a teaching assistant.
• Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP): a legal document for children with more complex or significant needs, which sets out the support a local authority must provide, and can specify things like a dedicated support hours or Local Authority-funded provision.

Exact processes and thresholds vary by local authority, so ask your school and local authority for their current specific arrangements rather than assuming national rules apply identically everywhere.

Does my child need a diagnosis to get school support?

Not necessarily. Schools can, and often do, put SEN Support in place based on observed needs, without waiting for a diagnosis. A diagnosis can sometimes help clarify needs and may support an EHCP application, but it is generally not an absolute requirement for all types of support. If you're unsure, ask your school's SENCO what evidence they typically need to arrange support for your child.

What is an EHCP, in general terms?

An EHCP is a legal plan for children and young people (up to 25) with more significant special educational needs, produced following a formal assessment process by the local authority. It generally describes:

• The child's needs, across education, health and care where relevant.
• The outcomes hoped for.
• The specific support and provision that should be put in place, and who is responsible for it.

Getting an EHCP typically involves requesting a "needs assessment" from the local authority, which then decides whether to proceed with a full assessment and, if so, whether to issue a plan. This process has statutory timescales and rights of appeal, but details and any current timescales should be confirmed with your local authority directly, since processes can vary and change.

Who can request an EHCP needs assessment?

Generally, parents, schools, and young people themselves (once old enough) can request that a local authority carries out a needs assessment. The local authority then considers the request based on evidence provided. If you're considering this, your school's SENCO can often help explain the local process and what evidence tends to be useful.

Working with your school's SENCO

The SENCO is usually your main point of contact for SEND-related support at school. It can help to:

• Ask for a meeting to discuss your concerns and what support is currently available.
• Bring any relevant reports, such as assessment outcomes or letters from clinicians, if you have them.
• Ask what support is already in place, and what the school's process is for reviewing or adjusting it.
• Keep a simple written record of conversations and agreed actions, in case you need to refer back to them later.

If you disagree with a decision

If you disagree with a school or local authority decision, such as a refusal to carry out a needs assessment or the content of an EHCP, there are usually routes to challenge this, including mediation and appeal to the SEND Tribunal in England. Processes and time limits apply, so if you're considering this, look into current guidance from your local authority, or seek advice from an organisation that specialises in SEND rights, or a solicitor if appropriate.

Supporting your child alongside formal processes

While navigating school support systems, it can also help to:

• Keep communication with your child's teachers open and constructive.
• Celebrate your child's strengths and progress, not just areas of difficulty.
• Recognise that formal processes can take time, and that some support can often start informally in the meantime.

A note on getting tailored advice

SEND law, processes and local authority practices can be complex and do change over time. This guide gives a general overview only. For advice specific to your child, speak to your school's SENCO, your local authority's SEND team, or an organisation specialising in SEND advice and advocacy.

Key takeaways

• SEND support can often start without a formal diagnosis, based on observed needs.
• Schools generally use a graduated approach, from universal support through to SEN Support and EHCPs.
• An EHCP is a legal plan for children with more complex needs, following a local authority assessment.
• Parents, schools and young people can usually request an EHCP needs assessment.
• If you disagree with a decision, routes like mediation and tribunal appeal may be available; seek current, specific guidance.