Understanding outcomes in EHC plans
A key element of an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan focuses on desired outcomes for the child or young person.
What an outcome is
An outcome is defined as the benefit or difference made to an individual as a result of an intervention. For more information, view the SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years on the GOV.UK website.
Outcomes often start with the words:
- insert child's name will be able to
or - insert child's name will
The difference between outcomes and interventions
Outcomes do not say anything about the level of help that will be provided. This is the provision or intervention that will help your child reach the outcomes.
An outcome is what the intervention will lead to. For example, the provision of 3 hours of speech and language therapy is not an outcome.
The outcome is that it is intended that the speech and language therapy will help the child or young person to do what they cannot already do now. It should be clear when this will be achieved.
The difference between aspirations and outcomes
Aspirations are long-term hopes and dreams. Usually, these will come from the child or young person and their family. They are directly linked to the hopes and aspirations question in Section A of the EHC plan.
Outcomes are what a child or young person, and their family will be supported to achieve towards their aspirations over the next few years. The outcome will describe what the child or young person will achieve by the end of the next phase of their education or key stage.
Aspiration, David will eat a range of foods and have a healthy diet.
Outcome, by the end of the next key stage, David will eat a range of different foods:
- particularly those not dry and crunchy
- at home and in other environments
- twice a day
In line with the SEND Code of Practice, the outcomes section of the EHC plan (Section E) is divided into 2 linked areas: aspirations and outcomes.