Now we’ve already spoken about SEN/SEND and we’ve spoken about EHCPs but with all this jargon, key points, and different professionals – what actually is the difference between an EHCP and SEN/SEND support?
Well, think of SEND support as the first step.
It’s flexible, school-led, and available for many.
Whereas EHCPs are the next level.
They’re formal, structured, and for those who need more intensive, long-term help.
SEND support is flexible.
EHCPs are formal and legally binding.
SEND support happens within the school’s existing resources.
EHCPs bring in extra funding and services from the Local Authority.
SEND support can start quickly.
EHCPs take time but can offer stronger protection.
SEND support is more open-ended and school-led.
An EHCP names exactly what support must be provided.
SEND support = school support plan.
EHCP = full team effort: education, health and care.
SEND support relies on school best practice.
EHCPs come with accountability.
Most children with SEND will be supported without an EHCP.
EHCPs are for the small number with complex, long-term needs.
SEND support may change with staff, setting or resources.
EHCPs can follow a child through school, college and beyond.
With SEND support, the school decides.
With an EHCP, the Local Authority takes the lead.
Both are important.
But they serve different levels of need.
Navigating SEND support and EHCPs often feels overwhelming, so the more clear, supportive, and proactive information there is, the better.
| Formality | SEND support | EHCP |
| Legal document? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (statutory) |
| Who provides it? | School | Local Authority |
| For which needs? | Mild to moderate | Severe, complex, or long-term |
| Multi-agency involvement? | Not usually | Yes – includes health and social care |
| Reviewed? | ✅ Regularly by school | ✅ Annually (statutory review) |
| Personalised plan? | ✔️ Yes, flexible | ✔️ Yes, flexible |
| Legal rights? | Limited | Full legal rights to appeal and enforce |
| Age range? | From Early Years to 18 | 0–25 (if in education or training) |
Here’s some questions we often hear and our answers that are beyond just the provided definitions:
💬“Which one does my child need?”
If your child’s needs can be met by the school with some adjustments, SEND support is enough.
If your child needs ongoing, high-level support from multiple professionals, an EHCP might be more appropriate.
💬“Can my child get support without a diagnosis?”
Yes! For both. Need, not diagnosis, drives support.
If your child is struggling, they deserve support with or without a formal diagnosis.
💬“Is SEND support legally binding?”
❌ No. Schools should follow through on plans, but there’s no legal enforcement.
✅ EHCPs are legally binding. Provision must be delivered and families can challenge it if it isn’t.
💬“Who creates the support plan?”
📘 SEND support: Created by the school (usually with the SENDCo).
📒 EHCP: Created after a EHCNA (formal needs assessment) by the Local Authority with input from multiple professionals.
💬“How involved will I be?”
Very! Parents/carers are central to the process. Especially for EHCPs, where their views must be formally recorded.
✅ Tip: Always share your story and keep notes on what works or doesn’t.
💬“Does one give more support than the other?”
Usually, yes. EHCPs often involve:
- More hours of 1:1 or specialist support
- Therapy (e.g., SALT, OT, EP input)
- Additional funding
SEND support uses existing school resources.
💬“Can SEND support lead to an EHCP?”
Yes! In fact, most EHCPs begin after a period of SEND support when it’s clear more is needed.
💬“Does one take longer?”
✔️ SEND support can start right away
⏳ EHCPs can take up to (sometimes longer) 20 weeks from request to decision
💬“Will my child still be included in the classroom?”
Yes! Both aim for inclusive education.
The difference is that EHCPs may provide more specialist support or access to a different setting if needed.
💬“Which is more common?”
SEND support is far more common and most children with SEND do not have an EHCP.
If you’d like further advice or want to know how we can help you navigate the SEND & EHCP system? Follow us for more content about next steps, applying for an EHCP, EHCNA evidence, and as always our messages are always open!
**The views expressed in our social media posts are entirely our own, based on our professional and personal experience. All posts are informational, not professional advice.
