An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) helps you get the right support. It's a legal paper that talks about your needs. This could be extra help at school and what goals you want to achieve. The EHCP is important because it helps the local authority make sure you get the help you need. It's not just for school stuff, but also for health and care needs.
The EHCP gives clear instructions to your school or educational setting about what they should do to help you thrive. It also says how long it should take to achieve your goals and when there will be an update to check if everything's going well.
By young people, for young people
Would you like to share your experiences of this topic with other young people?
This could be some written text, a blog post, a short voice or video recording or even an animation!
You can talk to your parents or carers, or a trusted adult within your school or setting, or any trusted friend.
If you live in Norfolk:
If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you live in Waveney:
You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.
Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.
Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.
Ambitious About Autism are a national charity aimed at supporting autistic children and young people in the UK.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
The EHCP has different sections that talk about what you like, what help you need and what you want to achieve. It might seem like a lot, but each part is important to make sure you get the right support. It includes things like:
If you already have an EHCP then you’ll be invited to a yearly review. This means going over any changes and getting the chance to ask for anything you think will help you better.
A one-page profile is a single page full of positive information about you and the way you learn. It’s used so that professionals in both school and healthcare can get to know you and the things that are important to you.
