The person-centred approach in Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans

An EHC plan uses what is called a person-centred approach. This is a way of working that:

  • puts children, young people, and families at the centre of what we do
  • recognises that everyone has the right to have choice and control in directing their lives and the support they receive

We will listen carefully to what is important to the child or young person now and in the future. We'll also listen to what families and professionals say is important for them.

Professionals will have strategies to make sure that parents, carers, children, and young people can overcome any barriers to sharing their opinions.

We will agree on actions or changes based on the evidence from parents or carers, children and young people, and assessing professionals.

We need to be fair about how we make decisions. This means that parents, carers, children, and young people may not always be able to have exactly what they want in their EHC plan.

However, we will carefully consider what that child or young person needs and make sure that you have the opportunity to explain what you and your child need from the assessment.

Watch this video which helps explain the EHCP process and its important relationship with the Person Centred Connection.

Planning for the EHC needs assessment process

If you are about to start the EHC needs assessment process, it would be helpful to think about:

  • who is in your family
  • who is important to you
  • what do you like about yourself and what you are good
  • what’s not working about your support
  • what would you like to change
  • what new things would you like to try
  • what are your aspirations
  • what would you like to be doing when you leave education

All About Me template

An All About Me template gives children and young people an opportunity to explain what is important to them. It is essential to the person-centred approach that the child or young person’s views are the starting point for their plan.

Schools and educational settings are required to include All About Me at the beginning of the EHC needs assessment process. We give this to any professionals that are asked to contribute. This is to make sure they understand your views and wishes along with those of your child.

All About Me template (Word)