What is the EHCP personal budget?
The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) personal budget is an important part of the EHCP, designed to provide children who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) with the specific resources they require. This personal budget is an amount of money which has been used to deliver special educational provision for a child detailed within an EHCP. It gives both parents and children a greater sense of control over what is needed, which may include specific therapies or staffing. The personal budget is often managed by the local authority, but can be given over to the family to deliver greater autonomy.
Things parents should know about the EHCP
The EHCP is designed for those children who require extra support within their setting. It is a carefully constructed plan which incorporates the voice of the child and their specific needs and wishes, alongside professional assessments of their condition and additional needs. An EHCP is reviewed on a regular basis as children’s needs can change with time, allowing the EHCP to reflect these changes.
Local authorities and EHCP
The most important players in the EHCP application process are the local authorities. This is because they have a statutory duty to assess children, determine who is eligible and issue the final plan. In order to communicate successfully with the local authority, parents should ensure they seek the views of healthcare and other specialist professionals, and keep them informed of any changes in their child’s needs or behaviours which may affect the EHCP. Check your local authority’s website to see how to apply for the EHCP personal budget.
Role of the SENCO in the EHCP process
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) within your child’s school is also very important for the EHCP process. SENCOs are teachers who are specially trained in managing and supporting children with SEND. They perform various roles, assisting in identifying children who may need an EHCP, gathering the evidence which is required for the EHCP application, and, crucially, liaising with parents and other professionals involved in the provision of services.
