A parent’s experience of the EHCP process

8 February 2022 

A parent with a 13-year-old son who has been diagnosed recently with autism, said: “My son is funny, loyal, committed and determined and he loves his football. He wants to go to school with his friends and be part of his community. He wants to go to college, get a job, get married and get on with his life. He doesn’t fully realise that he is autistic and has his daily struggles.

“He was diagnosed March 2020 after waiting 12 months for assessments before we started the education, health and care process. His education, health and care plan (EHCP) was finalised last September and was produced within the 20-week deadline set by the government. My son’s thoughts and feelings were central to the plan, which was the best bit for me, and we felt in control of the whole process. Our SEND keyworker guided us through the process and even though she was extremely busy with other families, she did take the time to answer all my questions.

“My son now has a place in a mainstream school, in his local community where he can be with his friends and doesn’t have to rely on school transport. Our family has a mutual working relationship with the school, SEND services and his EHCP provides the right level of support for his needs.

“I have really benefited from the parent carer training that is available and I think it’s vital that we have support too. It’s emotional at times, but I think it’s important that we recognise that parents, carers, staff in schools and health services all want the same thing – for our children to be happy and to thrive.”

The Cheshire East Local Offer includes information about support and services that families can expect from a wide range of agencies for children and young people with SEND from birth to 25 years old.