Generally, only a very small number of children with complex and severe needs, who require very high levels of individualised support, are issued with an EHC Plan. Most children will access help in their educational placement through the level known as ‘SEN Support’ or as it is described within the Main THRIVE tool ‘Getting Help’ and ‘Getting More Help’.
Where provision cannot reasonably be provided through services and resources that are normally available, it may be necessary to request an EHC assessment. Settings typically request EHC assessments, but parents and professionals can do too. Early Years settings, Schools, colleges and other bodies can also request assessments but they can only do this with the knowledge and agreement of the young person and/or person with parental responsibility. The child must have a special educational need that is severe and/or complex and which has persisted in spite of the setting following the Graduated Approach; including taking all expected steps and using the highest level of its resources to identify, assess and meet the need. The Local Authority (LA) SEN Panel will consider whether or not the difficulties are having an effect on the child's emotional wellbeing.
The Local Offer in Bury will enable families and practitioners to find out what is available locally and further afield and should help everyone to make the most of many services and opportunities that are available, without the need to have an EHCP.