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.
Notedly works out every deadline from your dates, files the council's letters and helps you reply. £15 a month.
Start a case