EHCP Guidance for Families (Kent County Council)

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) helps children and young people with special educational needs receive the right support at school and beyond. Below is an overview of what an EHCP is, how the process works, and where you can find more information from Kent County Council.

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP sets out the education, health and social care support a child or young person needs. It is designed to make sure that the right help is in place to meet their needs and help them achieve their potential.
👉 Find out more about EHCPs on the Kent website.

Requesting an EHC Needs Assessment (EHCNA)

Parents, carers, or schools can request an assessment if they believe a child needs more support than is usually available through SEN provision in school.
👉 Learn how to request an assessment here.

Decisions and Criteria

Kent County Council will review evidence provided by families, schools, and professionals before deciding if an EHCP is needed.
👉 Read about the decision-making process.

The EHCP Process and Timescales

The full EHCP process normally takes up to 20 weeks from the point of request. This includes assessments, drafting the plan, and consultation with families.
👉 See the step-by-step process.

Annual Reviews

EHCPs must be reviewed every year to make sure the support in place is still appropriate. Families, schools, and professionals all contribute to the review.

Your Child’s Voice

Kent has developed new tools (Appendix 1A and 1B) to help capture children’s and young people’s strengths, aspirations, and personality as part of the EHCP process.

Need Help?

If you have questions about EHCPs or the process, you can:

• Speak to your child’s class teacher

• Contact the school’s Inclusion Leader, Mrs Butcher

• Visit the Kent SEND Information Hub