Rise in number of children with EHC plans
By Gemma Raw
Government figures for the academic year 2021-22 show increases in the numbers of children and young people with education, health and care plans (EHC plans) and special educational needs (SEN) support.
In a continuing upward trend that has been evident since 2016, the percentage of pupils with an EHC plan has increased year-on-year in 2021-22 from 3.7% to 4%, while for those with SEN but no EHC plan the total has increased from 12.2% to 12.6%.
This means that a total of almost 1.5 million children and young people in England now have some form of SEN. The most common need for those with an EHC plan is autistic spectrum disorder and for those with SEN support it’s speech, language and communication.
Increased workforce pressure
The rise in the number of children with SEN doesn’t only put additional pressure on education professionals. It also impacts those working in social care jobs, many of whom are already facing extreme pressures, with staff shortages and increasing caseloads.
The government’s green paper on reforms to the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system says that local authorities should be ‘strongly encouraged’ to appoint senior social work leads with responsibility for SEND. It proposes that the SEND Code of Practice is revised to encourage the appointment of designated social care officers (DSCOs), who would be responsible for engagement between children’s social workers and SEND specialists.
What is an EHC plan?
An EHC plan is for children and young people who need more support than is available through SEN support. A formal assessment is made by the local authority, during which they may consult a range of professionals, including teachers, healthcare specialists and social workers.
The EHC plan is a legal document that sets out the child’s needs up to the age of 25. It covers educational, health and social needs and sets out the additional support required to meet those needs. As well as the child’s parents or legal guardians, anyone else who thinks an assessment may be necessary can request one, including doctors, health visitors, teachers and social workers.
What is SEN support?
SEN support is when the child or young person doesn’t have an EHC plan, but help is given to them that is additional to or different from that provided as part of the school’s usual curriculum. The class teacher and special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) may receive advice or support from outside specialists. SEN support replaced the former School Action and School Action Plus categories from 2015.
The government has published a guide to the current SEND Code of Practice, specifically aimed at those working in social care roles. Download it here.
