Getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for your child can feel overwhelming. The process is complex, timelines are strict, and one mistake can delay support your child desperately needs. That's where expert EHCP support makes all the difference.
At Clear Path Families, we provide professional SENCO guidance through every stage of the EHCP process — from initial applications to annual reviews and appeals. Based in Manchester, we help families across Greater Manchester navigate the system with confidence.
💡 Did you know? The Local Authority must complete an EHCP needs assessment within 16 weeks. But only if your application is strong enough. We help you get it right first time.
What Is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document that outlines the special educational needs of a child or young person aged 0-25. It details:
- The child's special educational, health and social care needs
- The outcomes you want to achieve
- The provision required to meet those needs
- Which educational setting (school) should be named
An EHCP is legally binding — the school and Local Authority must provide the support specified in Section F of the plan.
How We Support EHCP Applications
Applying for an EHCP assessment is your first major hurdle. Many applications are rejected because parents don't provide sufficient evidence or don't frame their child's needs in the right way.
Our EHCP application support includes:
- Evidence gathering: We help you collect reports from teachers, therapists, and medical professionals
- Parent statement drafting: We guide you in writing a compelling parent statement that highlights your child's needs
- Application review: Before submission, we review every document to ensure nothing is missing
- Timeline management: We keep the Local Authority accountable to the statutory 16-week deadline
Annual Review Support
Every EHCP must be reviewed at least once a year. These annual reviews are critical opportunities to ensure your child's provision remains appropriate and outcomes are being met.
We help parents:
- Prepare for annual review meetings with schools and Local Authorities
- Identify where provision isn't being delivered as specified
- Request amendments to the EHCP when needs change
- Challenge inadequate provision or unsuitable placements
⚠️ Common mistake: Many parents don't realise they can request an early annual review at any time if their child's needs change significantly. Don't wait a full year if your child isn't getting the support they need.
EHCP Amendments
As your child grows and develops, their needs change. The EHCP must be amended to reflect these changes. This could include:
- Adding new provision (e.g., speech therapy hours, occupational therapy)
- Updating outcomes to reflect progress or new goals
- Changing the educational setting named in Section I
- Adding specialist equipment or adaptations
Local Authorities sometimes resist amendments to avoid increased costs. We help parents build a strong case for the amendments their child needs, backed by professional evidence and legal precedent.
EHCP Appeals & Tribunals
If the Local Authority:
- Refuses to assess your child for an EHCP
- Refuses to issue an EHCP after assessment
- Issues an EHCP but the content is inadequate
- Names the wrong school in Section I
- Refuses to amend the EHCP when requested
...you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Time limits apply — you must register your appeal within strict deadlines.
We provide tribunal preparation support including:
- Reviewing the EHCP and identifying weaknesses in the Local Authority's position
- Gathering additional evidence (reports, assessments, witness statements)
- Drafting your appeal case summary
- Preparing you for the hearing
- Attending the tribunal as your McKenzie Friend (if required)
Why Choose Clear Path Families?
Our founder has extensive experience as a SENCO in mainstream and specialist settings. We understand the EHCP process from both sides — what schools need, what Local Authorities look for, and most importantly, what children and families deserve.
We bring:
- SENCO expertise: Years of experience managing EHCPs in schools
- Up-to-date knowledge: Current understanding of SEND law and Manchester LA processes
- Plain English communication: We cut through jargon and explain everything clearly
- Compassionate support: We know this is stressful. We're here to make it easier.
Areas We Cover
We support families across Greater Manchester including:
- Manchester City Centre, Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington
- Salford, Trafford, Stockport
- Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton
- Tameside, Wigan
Get Expert EHCP Support Today
Don't navigate the EHCP process alone. Whether you're just starting an application, preparing for an annual review, or facing an appeal, we're here to help.
Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your child's needs and how we can support you.