Why SMART Outcomes Matter in EHCPs: Making Support Specific and Measurable

When it comes to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the devil is truly in the detail. The outcomes section of an EHCP is not just a formality—it’s the backbone of your child’s support, shaping what help they receive and how their progress is measured. Yet, many families find that outcomes are vague, generic, or simply not fit for purpose. Here’s why SMART outcomes matter, how to spot weak ones, and what you can do to secure clear, enforceable goals for your child.

Why SMART Outcomes Matter for Accountability and Progress

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Outcomes written in this way are not just easier to understand—they make it possible to hold schools and local authorities accountable. If an outcome is clear and measurable, everyone knows what success looks like and when it should be achieved. This means you can track progress, celebrate achievements, and challenge the local authority if support isn’t working.

Vague outcomes, on the other hand, leave too much room for interpretation. They make it difficult to know whether your child is making progress or if the support is actually being delivered as promised.

How to Check if Your Child’s Outcomes Are Specific, Measurable, and Time-Bound

Start by reading each outcome in your child’s EHCP. Ask yourself:

• Is it clear what skill, behaviour, or knowledge your child is expected to develop?

• Can you measure whether the outcome has been achieved (for example, by counting, timing, or observing a specific behaviour)?

• Is there a deadline or review date for achieving the outcome?

For example, “will improve communication skills” is not specific or measurable. In contrast, “will use 10 new words in context during classroom activities by July 2026” is both.

Why Vague Outcomes Undermine Support—and How to Spot Them

Vague outcomes are a common pitfall in EHCPs. They often use phrases like “will make progress,” “will develop skills,” or “will access support as needed.” These statements are open to interpretation and make it hard to hold anyone accountable.

Spotting vague outcomes is usually straightforward—they lack detail, numbers, or timeframes. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: “How will I know if this has been achieved?” If the answer isn’t obvious, the outcome probably needs to be rewritten.

How to Request Amendments for Clearer, Enforceable Outcomes

If you find that your child’s EHCP contains weak or vague outcomes, you have the right to request amendments. You can do this during the annual review or at any time if you believe the plan is not fit for purpose.

• Write to your local authority, explaining which outcomes are unclear and why.

• Suggest alternative wording that is specific, measurable, and time-bound.

• Reference the SEND Code of Practice, which states that outcomes “should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound).”

If the local authority refuses to amend the outcomes, you can challenge this decision through the complaints process or, if necessary, by appealing to the SEND Tribunal.

Examples of Strong vs. Weak Outcomes—and How to Draft Better Ones

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

Weak Outcome:
“Will develop social skills.”

Strong Outcome:
“By the end of Year 7, will initiate a conversation with a peer during break time at least three times per week, as observed and recorded by school staff.”

Weak Outcome:
“Will improve reading ability.”

Strong Outcome:
“Will read and understand a short story at age-appropriate level and answer five comprehension questions with 80% accuracy by July 2026.”

When drafting outcomes, focus on what your child will do, how often, and by when. Use clear, simple language and avoid jargon.

Final Thoughts

Specific, measurable outcomes are the foundation of a strong EHCP. They empower you to advocate for your child, ensure support is delivered, and make it possible to celebrate real progress. If your child’s plan falls short, don’t hesitate to ask for better—your child deserves nothing less.

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.