How to review your draft EHCP like a PRO! SEN Parent Support Group

by SEN Parent Support Group – “Navigating the SEND Processes For Better Outcomes – TOGETHER”™. Focussing on your SEN Child/YP’s EHCP.

Receiving your child’s draft when you do not know what you’re looking for can become overwhelming.

Here are 10 steps and key tips that can help reduce that anxiety and show you where you need to focus! For more support including 1:1 then click the links at the bottom for Draft Review by SEN Parent Support Group

EHCP CHECK IN 10 PUNCHY STEPS

“Don’t assume it’s good, check it like a pro.”

1️⃣ Section A — The Warm-Up

• Is the child’s story accurate? Aspirations stated?
• Note: This Section is not legally binding but must reflect lived experience.

2️⃣ Section B — Needs: Must Be Specific & Complete

• Does it list every diagnosis and difficulty from professional reports?
• Are needs observable, not vague? (E.g., “difficulty with transitions” v “struggles with unstructured time”)
• Check against: EP, SALT, OT, CAMHS, School SENCo, Paediatric reports. Ensure SEN needs are specific to your child and that they are NOT generic.

3️⃣ Section C/D — Health & Care Needs

• If relevant, are health/social needs stated?
• Look for missing CAMHS input, therapy, family impact.

4️⃣ Section F — The Provision Powerhouse (Legally Enforceable)

• Use the “Who / What / When / How Often / Why” Test Does the provision specified make these clear? Check out our EHCP Specific Guidance here
• Is provision SMART and match each need specified in B?
• Avoid vague terms like “access to” or “regular support” these are not legally enforceable!

5️⃣ Section G — Health Provision

• Is OT, SALT or medical listed here if NOT educational?
• If educational it should be within Section F
• LA must fund if identified here.

6️⃣ Section H — Social Care Support

• Is there a Care Assessment or direct care plan? See our CPD Training on this area here
• Include support for transitions, EHCP-linked safeguarding, family needs.

7️⃣ Section I — Placement

• Is it named and appropriate for the needs in B/F?
• If not, you can challenge it under Section 51 CAFA.

8️⃣ Section J — Outcomes (Not Enforceable, But Important)

• Are they aspirational AND measurable?
• Do they align with provision in F and ambitions in A?

9️⃣ Check Timeframes & Review Dates

• Is the annual review date realistic and stated clearly?

🔟 Check the Source Docs

• Are ALL professional recommendations included?
• Any private evidence ignored? You can challenge via our templates here

Top Tip:

“Legally enforceable = Specific, SMART, and Statutorily aligned.”
If you’re unsure, request a Draft Review with gap analysis — your legal shield starts there.

Join us in our closed FB Group for more specific support FREE. Here:

or Book a DRAFT REVIEW via Mentorship Here:

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