Get a Copy of the School's EHCP Implementation Plan
This is your starting point. The school should have created a detailed plan showing exactly how they're going to deliver every single provision in Section F of the EHCP. Ask for it in writing.
This plan should include:
- Who's delivering each piece of support
- When it's happening (specific days and times)
- Where it's taking place
- How progress will be monitored
If the school says they don't have one, or they're "working on it," that's a red flag. The implementation should have started as soon as the EHCP was issued.
Check Your Child Is Getting Their Full Timetable
This might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how often it isn't happening. Some schools try to reduce a child's hours or suggest "part-time" attendance once an EHCP arrives, often using excuses like "we need to build up gradually" or "it's in your child's best interests."
Let me be crystal clear: part-time timetables have no legal basis for children with EHCPs. Your child has a statutory right to full-time education...that's 25 hours per week minimum for primary, 25-30 hours for secondary.
If the school is suggesting anything less, they're unlawfully excluding your child. Don't accept it.
Confirm the Staffing Arrangements
If Section F specifies support from particular professionals – like a specialist teacher, speech and language therapist, or teaching assistant with specific training – check these people actually exist and are actually delivering the support.
Ask the school:
- Who exactly is providing each type of support?
- What are their qualifications?
- Are they trained in the specific approaches mentioned in the EHCP?
It's not uncommon for schools to cobble together "equivalent" provision using whoever's available. That's not good enough. The EHCP is specific for a reason.
Understand How Specialist Equipment and Resources Are Being Used
If your child's EHCP mentions specialist equipment – sensory tools, assistive technology, adapted resources – make sure it's arrived and your child can actually access it when they need it.
Some questions to ask:
- Has all the equipment been ordered?
- Where is it kept and can my child access it freely?
- Has staff been trained to use it properly?
There's no point having a specialist communication device if it sits in a cupboard or if staff don't know how to set it up.
Get Clarity on Communication and Monitoring
You have a right to know how things are going. Agree with the school:
- How often you'll get updates about progress
- Who your main point of contact is
- How concerns will be addressed
- What format these updates will take (written is always best)
Put this in writing – an email confirming "as discussed" works perfectly. You want a paper trail showing you've established these expectations from the start.
Check the Annual Review Date Is in the Diary
Your child's first annual review must happen within 12 months of the EHCP being issued. Make sure the school has this date locked in now.
Don't wait for them to organize it at the 11-month mark. Get it scheduled early, particularly if your child will be transferring schools or changing phases soon...you might need to bring that review forward.
What If the School Isn't Doing What They Should?
If you're discovering gaps or problems, don't panic. But don't ignore it either.
Start with a polite but firm written request asking the school to confirm how they're implementing specific provisions. Be detailed. Quote Section F directly.
If things don't improve quickly, you have options:
- Raise a formal complaint with the school
- Contact the local authority's SEND team (they're responsible for making sure the EHCP is delivered)
- Request an emergency annual review if the provision is significantly wrong
- Consider legal routes if the failures are serious
Remember, the EHCP isn't a wish list or a set of suggestions. It's a legal document, and both the school and local authority are legally required to deliver what's in it.
Keep Your Own Records
This is possibly the most important tip of all. Keep a diary or log of:
- What provision your child is actually receiving
- Any sessions that are missed or cancelled
- Concerns you raise and the school's responses
- Your child's progress (or lack of it)
If problems develop later, this evidence will be invaluable. It's much easier to keep track as you go than to try and reconstruct events months down the line.
Final Thoughts
Getting an EHCP is a huge achievement, but your advocacy doesn't end there. The real difference comes from making sure it's properly implemented from day one.
Most schools want to do the right thing and will welcome a collaborative approach. Being organized, informed, and proactive helps everyone...especially your child.
If you do encounter resistance or discover the provision isn't being delivered, don't be afraid to hold people accountable. Your child's education depends on it.
You've fought hard to get this EHCP. Now make sure it works.