Help with your Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and annual reviews

What is an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)? 

An Education, Health and Care Plan helps to make sure you get the right support for your needs. Children and young people under 25 who need extra help can get an EHCP. It is for people who need more support than is given in regular schools or colleges.

The EHCP includes things like who you are, how you communicate, and what you want to do. It also says why you need help and what kind of help you need. Gateshead Council will talk to you and your family when making your EHCP. They will listen to what you want and how you feel.

Remember, the EHCP is there to help you do your best in school or college. It is important to be involved and share your thoughts. If you have questions, ask your teachers, family, or SENDIASS. They are there to help you understand and get the support you need.

Sharing your views for your EHCP Annual Review

If you have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP), there will be a meeting every year to talk about your support. This is called an Annual Review. You should share your thoughts in this meeting.

You can go to the meeting or write down your thoughts for someone else to share. People who should be at the meeting include you, your parents, your teacher, and others who help you.

You can share your thoughts in any way you like. Remember, these are your views. You can ask someone to help you write them down. Talk about what is going well and what is not. Share any goals you have for the future. Do not let anyone stop you from sharing your views. You have a right to be part of the meeting.

You can write a list of what you like and dislike about your support. You can also draw pictures, make a collage, or create a vlog to show your feelings.

You can talk to an adult you trust who can share your thoughts at the meeting. This can help if you find it hard to speak in front of others.

Your involvement in formal meetings

For many children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), attending a formal meeting is an empowering experience. 

To make sure that your involvement is meaningful, steps should be taken to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in the meeting, and that your input is valued and respected. 

Before the meeting, we should: 

• work with you to ensure that you are able to attend the meeting and that the venue is accessible
• ensure that you are able to share their views in their preferred style
• make sure that everyone has all of the information they need well before the meeting

During the meeting, it is important to: 

• be aware of power dynamics - a less formal atmosphere allows people to share and feel heard 
• welcome different communication needs and styles
• speak clearly, try not to use jargon and give people plenty of time to respond
• try not to pressure people into making decisions on the spot
• keep the focus on the future, on people's strengths, and on creating clear outcomes

After the meeting, we should: 

• give good quality feedback
• invite feedback - give you an opportunity to share their thoughts on the meeting
• share summaries and any outcomes from the meeting in good time 

The Council for Disabled Children have created a factsheet to provide some guidance on establishing a positive environment for children and young people with SEND in formal meetings. 

ECHP advice sessions and further support

Your voice matters! 

Do you want to help say what you think in your EHCP or annual review? You can book a slot with our Children's and Young People's Participation Officer, Alex Thompson, so you can have a chat with him about it. To book a slot, you can email [email protected] 

If you would like help or any further information, you can contact Gateshead Council's Children and Young People's Rights and Engagement Team at [email protected], or contact Gateshead SENDIASS via phone 0115 959 7771 or by visiting their website: gatesheadsendiass.org.uk.