Specialist provision
In England, only children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that provides the formal recognition of their special educational needs can gain access to specialist schooling. Most children with an EHCP are successfully educated in a mainstream school.
Once an EHCP is issued, the local authority has a responsibility to ensure that the child is placed in a suitable school, which may include specialist provision if it aligns with the needs outlined in the EHCP.
The statutory process for obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) involves several key steps. Here is a breakdown of the process:
1. Request for an assessment
- Who Can Request: Parents, schools, or other professionals can request an EHCP needs assessment.
- How to Request: A formal request is made to the local authority (LA), often with evidence of the child’s needs and the support already provided.
2. Local authority decision
- Assessment decision: The local authority must decide whether to carry out an assessment within six weeks of the request. They may refuse if they believe the child's needs can be met through SEN support.
- Notification: If they refuse, they must inform the requester with reasons and provide them with information on how to appeal the decision.
3. Assessment process
- Gathering information: If the assessment is approved, the local authority gathers information from various sources, including the child’s school, health professionals, and any other relevant services.
- Involvement of parents and child: Parents and the child (if appropriate) are consulted to share their views and experiences.
4. Drafting the EHCP
- Creating the plan: Based on the assessment findings, the local authority drafts the EHCP, outlining the child’s needs, desired outcomes, and the support required.
- Consultation: The draft is shared with the parents, who have 15 days to provide feedback or request changes.
5. Final EHCP
- Final version: After considering any feedback, the local authority finalises the EHCP and issues it to the parents.
- Rights to appeal: Parents have the right to appeal the content of the EHCP or the decision not to issue one.
6. Annual review
Review process: Once issued, the EHCP is reviewed at least annually to assess progress and make necessary adjustments to the support provided.
Specialist Resourced Provision
Specialist Resourced Provision (SRP) supports children with SEND in mainstream schools. SRP provides specialised resources and tailored support while promoting inclusion in the wider school community. SRP typically includes a designated area or a classroom within a mainstream school that offers dedicated specialist support for children with an EHCP for specific needs, such as autism, speech and language difficulties, or social, emotional, and mental health needs. While children may spend part of their day in the specialist resourced provision, they may also participate in wider school life if this is supportive of their needs.
This type of specialist provision is managed by Warwickshire County Council, not the school. The name of the SRP (not the school name) needs to be entered on the application form. Parents are advised to seek guidance on the application process for SRP.