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What is an education, health and care (EHC) plan video transcript

This video transcript is for the What is an education, health and care (EHC) plan video.

[Opening title card]: The acronym "EHCP" is large on a white piece of paper. The paper is on an orange background, with the text next to it being read out loud by the narrator. At the bottom of the card words show "Created by Council for Disabled Children and funded by the Department for Education. Animation by Jonny Glover".

[Narrator]: "What is an education health and social care plan and who is it for?"

[Card changes]: Image shows  The Children and Families Act 2014 on a piece of paper, with a judges gavel stamping the paper.  As the narrator speaks, the cartoon image shows an arrow reaching up to display an array of ages of people from baby to old with the header "Special Educational Needs or Disabilities".

[Narrator]: "In 2014 the Children and Families Act became law and introduced a new system of support which is relevant to parents and carers of children in young people 0 to 25 who have special educational needs or disabilities. This means that there is a requirement to produce education, health and care plans or EHCPs using person-centered approaches.

[Card changes]: Image of a cartoon woman holding an EHCP displaying her face  on the front, as she walks past and pushes away "Statement of Special Educational Needs " and "Learning Difficulty Assessments".

[Narrator}: "EHCPs replace statements of Statement of Special Educational Needs and what were called Learning Difficulty Assessment. Two of the key messages featuring in the Children & Families Act are that:

  • preparation for adulthood starts in early years just as it does for all other children
  • and all education providers are required to establish and maintain a culture of high expectations so all children and young people can achieve well."

[Card changes]: The woman is now standing in-front of a male figure and a young person. In between all figures a staircase is shown. The camera pans from them, to the top of the stairs where it shows the clouds.

[Narrator]: "This means that goals set should be challenging not just for the children and young people, but for the education service providers too. This requires plans to have a much wider scope than a statement which generally only addressed the needs of an educational nature.

[Card changes]: Text shows the same wording as narrator speaks.

[Narrator]: "The plan should forever possible stretch across four themes:

  • learning and future employment
  • home and independence
  • friends, relationships and community
  • health and wellbeing."

[Card changes]: Text shows the same wording as narrator speaks. Whilst she talks, a number of objects are going into the book including cartoon images of an aeroplane, dog, trumpet and a child.

[Narrator]: "Local authorities must issue a plan for a child or young person whose needs cannot be met from the expected budget in mainstream schools or settings.  .

[Card changes]: A book shows the letters "A -  K" with a government logo and an e-signature.

[Narrator]: "An EHCP has 17 sections labeled A to K. Each section has a different purpose and it is a legally binding document, meaning that certain things in it must happen. The contents of the EHCP are intended to be creative and a shared challenge for all those involved in order to achieve the best possible results and outcomes for the child or young person.

[Card changes]: Text shows the same wording as narrator speaks. As the narrator reads through each point, the woman talks to the young person, makes sure they are listened to and collaborates with the male figure represented earlier.

[Narrator]: "In developing a plan local authorities have a duty to take into account section 19 principals and must have regard to:

  • the views wishes and feelings of the child, young person or parent
  • the importance of their full participation in decisions
  • the importance of their being provided with the necessary information and support to participate
  • and the need to support the child or young person to achieve the best possible educational and other outcomes preparing them effectively for adulthood."

[Card changes]: Text shows the same wording as narrator speaks.

[Narrator]: "How can you find out more or access local services and support? You can find out more about the SEND reforms and the education health and care planning process by visiting the local offer page on your local authority website. Here you'll be able to find impartial information advice and support and learn about all the services that are available to you. Parents who require additional support are referred to their local information, advice and support service.

Further information including a useful resource on writing good quality EHC plans can be found at council for disabled children org dot uk."

[End card] Text displays councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk and logos for:

  • Transition Information Network
  • Special Educational  Consortium
  • Making Ourselves Heard!
  • Information, Advice & Support Services Network
  • Information, Advice & Support Services Programme.