Most children with special educational needs (SEN) will have those needs met in a mainstream school. Sometimes this will be with the help of specialists from outside the school.

In some cases, children will attend specialist bases in mainstream schools, or special schools, depending on their individual needs.

EHC plans and assessments

What is an EHC plan?

An education, health and care plan (EHC plan) is for children and young people aged up to 25 who need more support than is available through special educational needs support.

EHC plans identify educational, health, and social needs, and set out additional support which will meet those needs.

EHC plans replace the old 'Statement of Special Educational Needs'. We are in the process of transferring existing Statements of SEN to EHC plans where this is needed to meet a child or young person's needs.

How can my child get an EHC plan?

An assessment will be done to see if your child needs an EHC plan. The assessment will be carried out by our Special Educational Needs team.

Who can ask for an assessment to be carried out?

Any professional who supports a child can ask us to carry out an EHC assessment. Requests are usually made by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) of a child's school or education setting.

As a parents or carer, you can talk to any of the people who support your child about whether your child needs an EHC assessment, and if so, complete the request form.

Contact

For more information, contact the SEN single point of contact by calling 01642 201831 or emailing sen@middlesbrough.gov.uk.