# What is an EHCP, and does my autistic child need one?

> What an Education, Health and Care Plan is, who needs one, and how it differs from SEN support.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-an-ehcp
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document in England for children and young people aged 0 to 25 whose special educational needs can't be met through the support schools usually provide. It sets out their needs, outcomes and the provision they must receive. Many autistic children are supported well through SEN support, but some need an EHCP. A diagnosis isn't required.

**Key takeaways**
- An EHCP is a **legal plan** for ages **0 to 25** in England.
- It's for needs that **can't be met through usual SEN support**.
- **No diagnosis** is needed to request an assessment.
- It sets out **needs, outcomes** and **provision** that must be delivered.

## What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan is for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support.[1] It describes the child's needs, the outcomes they're working towards, and the special educational provision they must receive. The local authority has a legal duty to secure that provision.[2]

## How is it different from SEN support?

|  | SEN support | EHCP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Who arranges it | The school or nursery | The local authority |
| Legal force | Schools must use their best endeavours | Provision in the plan must be delivered |
| How it works | Assess, plan, do, review cycle | Statutory assessment, then a written plan |
| Reviewed | Regularly, by the school | At least every 12 months (annual review) |

See [What does SEN support look like at school?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/sen-support-graduated-approach)

## Does my autistic child need an EHCP?

It depends on their needs, not the diagnosis. An EHCP may be right if your child isn't making expected progress despite good SEN support, or needs support the school can't provide from its usual resources. Anyone can ask the local authority for an EHC needs assessment, including parents.[3]

**Evidence helps.** Keep school reports, SEN support plans, notes from professionals and examples from home. They show what's been tried
  and what's still needed.

**Reforms are coming.** The 2026 Schools White Paper proposes changes to SEND support. The government says no changes to support in existing
  EHCPs would happen before at least September 2030. See [What do the 2026 SEND reforms
  mean?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/send-reforms-2026)

Free printable: [Free printable: one-page pupil profile](https://theautismkit.com/printables/pupil-profile.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Ask the SENCO what SEN support your child has
- [ ] Collect reports and examples in one folder
- [ ] Read how to request an EHC needs assessment

Read next: [How do I apply for an EHCP?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/apply-for-ehcp)

## Common questions

### Does my child need an autism diagnosis to get an EHCP?

No. The local authority must consider whether a child has or may have special educational needs and may need provision through an EHC plan, regardless of diagnosis.

### What's the age limit for an EHCP?

EHCPs can cover children and young people from birth up to age 25, if they're still in education or training and need the support.

### Will the SEND reforms take away my child's EHCP?

The government says no changes to support received through existing EHCPs would happen before at least September 2030. Reforms are still going through Parliament.

## Sources

1. GOV.UK: Children with special educational needs and disabilities, extra help. https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help
2. GOV.UK: SEND code of practice, 0 to 25 years. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
3. IPSEA: Asking for an EHC needs assessment. https://www.ipsea.org.uk/asking-for-an-ehc-needs-assessment

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.