Health, Social Care, and Funding in EHCPs: Getting the Full Picture

When families think of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the focus often falls on educational support. Yet, the “H” and “C” are just as important. Health and social care needs can be the difference between a child merely coping and truly thriving. Unfortunately, these sections are often the weakest part of an EHCP, with vague wording, missing details, or even left blank. If you want your child’s plan to be robust and holistic, here’s how to make sure health, social care, and funding are not overlooked.

Why Health and Social Care Sections Are Often Overlooked

It’s a common frustration: the educational needs are described in detail, but health and social care are barely mentioned. This happens for several reasons. Local authorities may lack up-to-date reports from health or social care professionals, or there may be confusion about who is responsible for providing input. Sometimes, there’s a mistaken belief that only educational needs “count” in an EHCP. The law is clear, though: if a child’s health or social care needs impact their education or ability to access learning, these must be included and specified.

Ensuring Health and Social Care Needs Are Properly Assessed and Included

Start by gathering recent reports from all relevant professionals—paediatricians, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, CAMHS, and social workers. If your child has a diagnosis, ongoing treatment, or uses specialist equipment, this should be reflected in the EHCP. Don’t forget mental health: anxiety, sensory processing, and emotional regulation are all valid health needs.

For social care, think about your child’s ability to participate in community life, develop independence, and stay safe. If your family receives support such as respite, short breaks, or a carer’s assessment, this should be included. If you receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Carer’s Allowance, mention this as evidence of need—while these benefits are separate from EHCPs, they demonstrate that your child’s needs have already been recognised by another part of the system.

If the local authority hasn’t sought input from health or social care, ask for this to be done. You can request a social care assessment or ask your GP or consultant to provide a letter outlining your child’s needs.

What to Do if Health and Social Care Sections Are Left Blank or Too Generic

Blank or generic sections are not acceptable. The SEND Code of Practice requires that all needs and provision are “detailed and specific.” If you see phrases like “access to health services as required” or “support from social care if needed,” challenge them. Ask:

• What specific health or social care needs have been identified?

• What provision will be made, by whom, and how often?

• How will this provision be monitored and reviewed?

If the local authority claims there are “no health or social care needs,” but you disagree, provide your own evidence and request a review. If you already receive DLA, PIP, or Carer’s Allowance, this is a strong indicator that needs exist.

Understanding Funding Banding and Top-Up Funding: What Does Your Child Get and Why?

Funding for EHCPs is a patchwork, and it varies widely between local authorities. Most areas use a “banding” system, where children are allocated to a funding band based on the severity and complexity of their needs. On top of this, “top-up” funding may be provided for children with the highest needs.

Your documents show that funding bands and top-up amounts can differ by thousands of pounds between counties. This is sometimes called the “postcode lottery.” If you’re unsure what funding your child receives, ask for a breakdown. The local authority should be able to explain how your child’s needs were assessed and how this links to the funding provided.

If you believe your child’s funding is insufficient—perhaps you know of children with similar needs in other areas receiving more—gather evidence and request a review. Funding must be based on need, not just local policy or budget.

How to Request a Review or Challenge a Funding Decision

If you’re unhappy with the funding or provision in your child’s EHCP, you can:

• Request an early review of the plan, explaining why you believe the current support is inadequate.

• Provide new evidence—such as updated professional reports, a change in your child’s needs, or evidence of what is provided elsewhere.

• Ask for a meeting with the local authority to discuss your concerns.

• If the local authority refuses to amend the plan or increase funding, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

Remember, you do not need to accept vague explanations or be fobbed off with “that’s just how we do it here.” The law is on your side: provision must meet your child’s needs, not just fit a local template.

Challenging Omissions or Inadequate Provision in Any Section

If any part of the EHCP—education, health, or social care—is missing key information or provision, you have the right to challenge it. Start by writing to the local authority, setting out what’s missing and why it matters. Reference the SEND Code of Practice and, if needed, provide supporting evidence. If you’re not satisfied with the response, use the complaints process or appeal to the Tribunal.

Don’t forget: if your child’s needs change, or if you start receiving new benefits like DLA, PIP, or Carer’s Allowance, this is a good reason to request a review of the EHCP.

Final Thoughts

A truly effective EHCP is holistic. It recognises that education, health, and social care are intertwined, and that funding should follow need—not postcode. By being proactive, gathering strong evidence, and insisting on detail, you can help ensure your child’s plan is as robust and supportive as possible.

Feel less anxious and more confident:
Caira is your new bestie!👱🏼‍♀️🌸 Get answers and drafts in seconds for public, family, probate, conveyancing, criminal, employment, medical negligence, commercial and public law. All backed by 10,000 legal documents for England and Wales.

Upload documents, screenshots and photos for even more relevant responses. Free 14 days trial in 1 min – no credit card required, afterwards just £15/month on our website. Continue chatting now. https://www.unwildered.co.uk

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Outcomes can vary based on your personal circumstances.