Guide · England
Plain-English glossary
The words you will meet, and what they actually mean.
EHC plan
Education, Health and Care plan: a legal document setting out your child's needs and the support the council must provide.
EHC needs assessment
The council's investigation into whether your child needs a plan.
Section B
The part of the plan listing your child's special educational needs.
Section F
The part of the plan listing the support your child must get. The council has a legal duty to provide it.
Section I
The part of the plan naming the school or setting.
Local authority
The council.
SENCO
The teacher at school responsible for special educational needs.
Mediation certificate
A certificate saying you've considered mediation. You need one before most appeals; you don't have to actually mediate.
SEND Tribunal
The independent court that decides appeals against council decisions about EHC plans. Parents win most appeals.
Working day
Monday to Friday, not a bank holiday.
Phase transfer
Moving between school stages, like primary to secondary.
Put your own dates in and see your deadlines.
Recording events and seeing every deadline is free.
Start a case