Understanding your draft EHCP
What to look for in a draft EHCP, how to respond, and whether you have to accept it.
Understanding your draft EHCP
You have received a draft EHCP for your child. This is an important moment. The draft is your chance to comment on the plan before it becomes final. You have 15 days to respond, and you should use every one of them.
You do not have to accept the draft as it is. In fact, most drafts need changes.
What the draft contains
An EHCP has several sections. Here is what each one covers and what to check:
Section A: Your child's views and aspirations
This should reflect what your child wants, in their own words where possible. Check it sounds like your child, not a professional writing about them.
Section B: Special educational needs
This lists your child's needs. Check that every need is included. If your child struggles with something that is not listed here, it cannot be addressed in the provision.
Section C: Health needs related to SEN
Health needs connected to your child's special educational needs. Check these are not missing or marked 'not applicable' without good reason.
Section D: Social care needs related to SEN
Social care needs related to your child's special educational needs. Again, check this is not left blank without explanation.
Section E: Outcomes
What the plan aims to achieve. Good outcomes are specific and measurable. 'Improve communication' is too vague. 'Use three-word sentences to request items by July 2027' is specific and measurable.
Section F: Special educational provision
This is the most important section. It must specify exactly what support your child will receive, including:
- What the provision is (e.g. speech and language therapy)
- How many hours per week
- How often (e.g. three times per week)
- Who delivers it (e.g. a qualified speech and language therapist)
Section I: School placement
The school named in this section. This is left blank in the draft so you can express a preference.
If Section F uses phrases like 'access to', 'opportunities for', or 'as and when needed', this is a problem. Vague provision is difficult to enforce. See Challenging vague wording.
Your 15-day response window
You have 15 calendar days from receiving the draft to:
- Comment on any section
- Request changes
- Express a preference for a school placement (Section I)
- Ask for a meeting to discuss the draft
You can ask for more time if you need it. The local authority should agree if your reason is fair, such as waiting for a professional report.
How to respond
Go through each section. Compare Section B (needs) with Section F (provision). Every need should have matching provision.
Use SpektraBot's EHCP audit tool to check the draft against quality standards. It will flag vague wording and missing provision.
For each issue, state clearly: what the draft says, what it should say, and why. Be specific.
If you have a preference for which school is named in Section I, state it in your response.
Email is best. Keep a copy and note the date you sent it.
SpektraBot can help you draft your response. Upload the EHCP, run the audit, and ask: 'Can you help me write a response to my child's draft EHCP? The audit found issues in Section F.'
Do you have to accept the draft?
No. You never have to accept a draft EHCP without comment. The local authority must consider your views before finalising the plan. If they do not make the changes you have asked for, they must explain why.
If you disagree with the final EHCP, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal about the content (Sections B, F, and I) or the school named.
Try asking this question in a chat:
“I've received a draft EHCP. Can you help me check whether it's good enough?”