Top 10 Questions to Ask in an EHCP Meeting

Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) meetings can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time or your tenth, the room is often full of professionals, paperwork, and jargon. It’s easy to walk out and think: “I wish I’d asked that.”

Being prepared with the right questions can help you stay focused, make sure your child’s needs are properly addressed, and ensure the plan is as strong as it needs to be.

Here are 10 key questions every parent should consider asking in an EHCP meeting.

1. How is my child’s progress being measured?

It’s not enough to talk in general terms like “doing better” or “improving.” Ask for specific measures: test scores, behaviour logs, communication skills, or social interaction. This helps you track whether support is actually working.

2. What provision is in place right now — and is it what’s written in Section F?

Section F of the EHCP is legally binding. If the plan says your child should have speech therapy or specialist teaching assistant support, check whether it’s happening as described. If not, ask why.

3. Are the outcomes in the EHCP realistic and still relevant?

Outcomes should be specific, measurable, and achievable. If your child has made progress, outcomes may need to evolve. If they’ve struggled, they may need adjusting to be more realistic.

4. What additional support can be put in place if my child isn’t meeting outcomes?

If progress has stalled, don’t accept vague reassurances. Ask what new strategies, interventions, or resources will be introduced.

5. How is my child’s voice being included in the plan?

The SEND Code of Practice requires children and young people to be involved. Whether it’s through drawings, written comments, or direct input, make sure your child’s perspective is represented.

6. How is support coordinated between education, health, and social care?

An EHCP should bring all three together. Ask who is responsible for making sure different services actually communicate, and what happens if one part of the plan isn’t delivered.

7. How will transitions be supported?

If your child is moving to a new school phase (nursery to primary, primary to secondary, secondary to post-16), ask what preparations are being made. Transitions are often when support gaps appear.

8. Are there any reports missing?

Professionals such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, or CAMHS should contribute reports. If something is missing, ask for the meeting to be reconvened once the information is available.

9. What happens if I disagree with the Local Authority’s decision?

Know your rights. You can challenge decisions about issuing or amending an EHCP, and you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal if necessary. Asking this in the meeting makes it clear you are informed and prepared.

10. What are the next steps and timelines after this meeting?

Clarity on process is essential. The school must send review paperwork to the LA within 2 weeks, and the LA has 4 weeks to decide whether to maintain, amend, or cease the EHCP. Make sure you know when to expect updates.

Final Thoughts

EHCP meetings can be daunting, but you don’t have to feel powerless. Having a set of questions ready helps keep the focus where it belongs, on your child’s needs, rights, and future.

Remember: you are the expert on your child. Asking the right questions isn’t being difficult; it’s making sure the system does what the law requires.