Information for families
Navigating support for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Our Supporting your child at school: A guide for parents and carers leaflet has been created to help you feel confident in discussing your child's needs with their school. We offer practical information and conversation starters to support meaningful discussions about the provision already in place, areas where further support may be needed, and the next steps to help your child reach their full potential. Your voice matters, and strong partnerships between families and schools make a real difference.
Community paediatricians and nurses work closely with school, teachers, school nurses and other children’s specialist services to make sure the children in our care have a cohesive strategy to look after their needs.
Education Health Care Plan (EHC)
An Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan is for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who need more support than is normally available in a mainstream nursery, school or college.
An EHC plan is a legal document that sets out a child or young person's education, health and social care needs, the support they require, and the outcomes they are working towards. It helps make sure the right support is in place to enable them to achieve their goals and reach their potential.
The Kent County Council website(opens in new tab) provides information about EHC plans, including how to request an EHC needs assessment, what happens during the assessment process, and how plans are reviewed and updated. You can also find guidance on annual reviews, school transitions, personal budgets, mediation and appeals, and moving to or from Kent with an EHC plan.
The Medway Council website(opens in new tab) provides similar information for families in Medway.
Who needs an EHC plan?
An EHC plan may be appropriate for children and young people whose special educational needs require significant additional support.
Although an EHC plan can include health and social care needs, it will not be issued solely for health or social care needs that do not affect education.
EHC plans can be provided for children and young people from birth up to the age of 25.
How do I get an EHC plan?
EHC plans are developed by the local authority following an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHCNA).
A request for an assessment can be made by:
- a parent or carer
- a young person aged 16 or over
- a nursery, school or college on behalf of a child or young person.
Leaflets
- Tests and exams FAQs
- Dyslexia FAQs
- Home schooling FAQs
- Supporting your child at school: A guide for parents and carers