A Parents' and Carers' Guide to EHCP Funding

We speak to many parents navigating the EHCP process for the first time, and we know it can be a confusing process. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand what’s involved and how funding can be used to support your child’s education. 

For many families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), understanding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and how funding works can feel overwhelming.

This guide explains what an EHCP is, who can get one, how personal budgets work, and how to make the most of support—whether your child is in school, part‑time, or educated at home.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people up to age 25 who need more support than schools and colleges can normally provide. It sets out their needs, the provision required, and outcomes. Local authorities have a legal duty to secure the special educational provision in an EHC plan (Children and Families Act 2014, s.42).

• Official overview (GOV.UK) 
• Statutory framework (Children and Families Act 2014, Part 3)

Who can get an EHCP and how do we apply?

If your child’s needs cannot be met by SEND Support, you (or your young person aged 16–25) can request an EHC needs assessment from your local authority. If agreed, the process should conclude within 20 weeks and may result in an EHCP.

Independent advice is available from SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services) and IPSEA. (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice)

• Step‑by‑step parent guidance (IPSEA) 
• SEND Code of Practice (DfE/DHSC)

What does an EHCP contain?

There is no fixed national template, but every EHCP must include legally defined sections (A–K), covering needs, provision, outcomes, and placement. The plan should make clear who does what, how often, and by when.

• Checklist of required sections (IPSEA).

Personal Budgets and Direct Payments

Some families choose a Personal Budget for parts of the provision in the EHCP. This can be managed as direct payments, a notional (managed) budget, a third‑party arrangement, or a combination. Direct payments offer flexibility but require careful record‑keeping.

• Moving area with an EHCP (DfE guidance).

What can EHCP funds pay for?

Funds must be used to meet the specific needs and outcomes in the EHCP.

Typical eligible costs include:

• Qualified specialist tutors and tailored 1:1 teaching (online or in-person).
• Therapies named in the plan (e.g., speech & language, occupational therapy).
• Assistive technology or software that enables access to learning.

They cannot normally be used for unrelated costs such as school fees (unless the school is named), rent, food, or travel. Always check with your local authority before changing how funds are spent.

Home Education and EHCPs

Parents can home educate with or without an EHCP. If your child is at a mainstream school, notify the headteacher in writing. If your child is on roll at a special school, the local authority’s consent is required to remove them from the roll (consent should not be unreasonably withheld).

• Official overview of deregistration and elective home education (GOV.UK) 

Annual Reviews and Keeping the Plan Up to Date

EHCPs must be reviewed at least annually (or sooner if needs change). Use reviews to update outcomes, adjust provision, and evidence progress. If the local authority refuses changes you believe are necessary, you may use mediation and, if required, appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

• Find your Local Offer & SENDIASS via your council.

Common Challenges and What to Do

• Delays beyond the 20‑week timescale — keep written records; seek advice from SENDIASS or IPSEA.
• Provision not delivered as written — raise with the school and LA; Section 42 places a duty to secure provision.
• Moving area — ensure the new LA picks up the plan promptly using DfE guidance linked above.

How Sherpa Fits In

Sherpa’s qualified UK teachers and specialist online tutors deliver EHCP-aligned tuition online, ensuring that every session supports the outcomes detailed in your child’s plan. Lessons are recorded, notes are saved, and parents have full visibility of progress through their accounts.

Sherpa can liaise directly with schools and Local Education Authorities (LEAs), managing EHCP funding in partnership with them.

We coordinate lesson scheduling, create bespoke lesson plans, and source the most suitable tutor — one with the knowledge and experience to meet your child’s individual needs.

Our collaborative approach ensures that learning remains consistent, accountable, and fully aligned with the objectives set out in each EHCP.