Navigating the world of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can be a complex journey for families, especially at the beginning when you’re seeking that diagnosis.
An essential part of this journey for many is understanding and obtaining an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). At Connect Specialist Therapy, we are committed to supporting families through this process with our expertise in Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics, from what is an EHCP? to what a typical assessment might look like
What is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document that describes a child or young person’s special educational, health, and social care needs. It outlines the additional support they require to meet those needs and achieve their goals. The EHCP is tailored to each individual, ensuring they receive the right support to thrive in their education and daily life.
The Assessment for an EHCP
The journey to an EHCP begins with an assessment from your local authority process to determine if a child or young person requires one. This comprehensive evaluation looks at the wide range of needs across education, health, and care.
At Connect Specialist Therapy, our approach to further assessments is rooted in our deep understanding of Sensory Integration and its impact on a child’s ability to engage in their everyday activities, including education. We provide occupational therapy assessments that detail the needs of young people in relation to their sensory processing needs. The Occupational Therapy Assessment report then contributes to the EHCP when it is completed by the family’s local authority .Our assessments are designed to identify any sensory processing difficulties and their impact on the child’s day to day functioning.
Initial Consultation
Our process for providing an occupational therapy assessment report to support and EHCP application starts with a free 30-minute consultation. This initial discussion with one of our therapists helps us understand your child’s unique needs and determine the appropriateness of an assessment.
Referral Pack and Service Arrangement
Following the consultation, we provide a referral pack that includes a service quote, delivery specification, consents, and an initial occupational history form. Once these documents are returned with the initial payment, we schedule the assessment.
Comprehensive Assessment
Our therapists conduct a thorough assessment, which may include an occupational history interview and evaluations in both school and clinic settings. This may also involve standardised assessments to identify any sensory processing difficulties affecting the child’s referred problem.
Reporting and Recommendations
After the assessment, we prepare a detailed report outlining our findings and recommendations. These may include advice, equipment, awareness training for parents and staff, intervention programmes, and referrals to other services if necessary. Our goal is to enable the child to access their curriculum and participate in daily activities to their fullest potential.
Why Choose Connect Specialist Therapy?
Our team at Connect is composed of qualified Occupational Therapists with a special focus on Sensory Integration Therapy. We believe in the importance of meaningful occupation in the lives of children and young people, with a primary focus on play, school, and daily living activities.
Our therapists are not only experienced but also deeply committed to a family-centred approach, ensuring that our interventions enhance the lives of children and support their families. With additional training in a variety of related areas and compliance with all relevant professional standards, Connect is equipped to offer comprehensive support throughout the EHCP assessment process and beyond.
Obtaining an Education, Health, and Care Plan is a critical step for many families in securing the proper support for their children with special educational needs and disabilities. At Connect Specialist Therapy, we are here to guide and support you through this process with our specialised knowledge and compassionate approach. Our aim is to ensure that every child we work with can engage in their primary occupations—play, school, and activities of daily living—to the best of their ability, enriching their lives and the lives of their families.