When School Support Isn’t Enough: Knowing When to Push for an EHCP
Every parent wants to believe that their child’s school can meet their needs with the resources available. Many schools work hard to provide additional support through SEN Support, but for some children, this simply isn’t enough. Knowing when to push for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can make all the difference.
SEN Support vs. EHCP – What’s the Difference?
SEN Support is help provided by the school from its own resources. This might include:
Extra support in class
Small group work
Adjustments to teaching methods
Access to interventions such as speech and language groups
While this can work well for many children, it has limitations. SEN Support does not guarantee a set level of provision, and schools can vary widely in how much support they provide.
An EHCP, on the other hand, is a legally binding document that sets out the specific provision your child must receive, funded and overseen by the Local Authority. This makes it far harder for support to fall through the cracks.
Signs That SEN Support May Not Be Enough
You might want to consider requesting an EHC Needs Assessment if:
Your child is still falling significantly behind despite interventions
Progress is slow or inconsistent
Teachers cannot meet your child’s needs within the usual classroom environment
Your child’s needs go beyond education and involve health or social care too
You find yourself repeatedly having the same conversations with school, without lasting improvement
Why Parents Sometimes Wait Too Long
Many parents are encouraged to “wait and see,” or told that the child is making “enough progress.” Unfortunately, this can delay support by years. The longer it takes to secure an EHCP, the longer your child may struggle without the right help.
Remember: requesting an EHC Needs Assessment does not mean you are criticising the school. It means you are making sure your child gets the right level of support.
How to Push for an EHCP
Keep evidence – Collect reports, progress data, professional assessments, and your own observations.
Make the request in writing – Address it to your Local Authority’s SEN team. You do not need the school’s permission.
Be clear about the difficulties – Explain where SEN Support is not enough and what your child still struggles with.
Stay firm – If the LA refuses, you have the right to appeal.
Final Thoughts
Schools play an important role in supporting children with additional needs, but they cannot always do everything alone. An EHCP gives your child the security of legally enforceable support, tailored to their unique needs.
If your child is not making progress despite support from school, it may be time to push for an EHCP. Acting early can prevent frustration and ensure your child gets the help they need to thrive.
