Education Health and Care Plans: a new scheme for special educational needs and disability provisions in England from 2014

The new Children and Families Act (2014) includes a section (Part 3 of the Act) for children and young people (CYP) in England with special educational needs and disability (SEND). Significant reforms are to be implemented. Central to these reforms is replacing previous special educational needs statements with Education Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans). There are important implications for paediatricians and child health services. This article reviews the definition and the needs of CYP affected, summarises the key features of EHC Plans, and outlines what needs to be included in medical advice for CYP with SEND. Preparing young people with EHC Plans for adulthood and the circumstances for cessing EHC Plans are also described.