How to read an EHCP, what each section means (Sections A-K), and what good provision looks like.
12 min read
This section must reflect your child's own voice — what they enjoy, what they find difficult, and what they hope for the future. It should be written from their perspective. If this section feels like it was written about a different child, ask for it to be rewritten. Your child's views should genuinely shape the plan.
Section B describes your child's special educational needs. Every need identified must have corresponding provision in Section F. Section C covers health needs — these should link to provision in Section G. If a need is listed without provision to meet it, the plan is incomplete. Check that each bullet point in B has a matching point in F.
This covers social care needs related to your child's SEND. This may include support with independent living, social activities, or safeguarding. If your child has social care involvement, this section must be completed. Social care provision should be specified in Section H1 (for needs under the Children Act) or H2 (for other social care needs).
These are the most important sections. Section F specifies the special educational provision, Section G the health provision, and Section H the social care provision. Provision must be specific and quantified — not vague phrases like 'access to' or 'support from' but detailed statements like '1:1 support for 15 hours per week from a trained teaching assistant'. If the provision is vague, ask for it to be made specific.
This names the school, college, or other setting. It can name a maintained school, academy, free school, non-maintained special school, certain independent special schools, further education institution, or other suitable placement. The LA must name a school or other institution unless specific exceptions apply. If the setting you want is not named, you can request a different placement. The right to request a particular setting depends on the type of institution, and the LA can only refuse for specific legal reasons.
Section J records whether a personal budget has been requested and agreed. A personal budget gives you control over some of the funding for your child's provision. Section K contains appendices — copies of professional reports and advice that informed the plan. If you have requested a personal budget and it is refused, the LA must give reasons.
Last reviewed: 18 June 2026
