EHCP quality assurance standards 2021/22

These standards are currently under review as part of the April 2023 Accelerated Progress Plan

The local area has co-produced a set of EHCP quality standards that have been agreed by the Partnership Board

Quality Standards

The SEND Code of Practice (2014) covers the 0-25 age range and identifies the following key points that should be
considered throughout the assessment and delivery of SEND support and services, specifically:

• A clear focus on the participation and contribution of children and young people, their parents and carers.
• A strong focus on high aspirations and improving outcomes for children and young people to enable them to be in the best possible place to have an independent future.
• A greater focus on support that enable those with SEND to succeed in their education and make a successful transition to adulthood.
• An emphasis on the joint planning and commissioning of services to ensure close co-operation between education, health and social care.
• Specific guidance for education and training settings to apply a graduated approach to identifying and supporting pupils and students with SEND (to replace School Action and School Action Plus).
• For children and young people with more complex needs a coordinated assessment process.
• Integrated our public duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 into the Code of Practice.

The following standards will be used throughout the audit process:

1. Quality Standard One – The EHCP clearly records the views, interests and aspirations of the child, young person, their parents and carers and these are (a) fully represented within the plan and (b) inform the outcome of the plan.
2. Quality Standard Two – EHCPs are clear, concise, understandable, accessible and outcomes are SMART. In addition, they should be aspirational, person centred and identify prior attainment.
3. Quality Standard Three – EHCPs are holistic, all agencies involved with the child, young person, their parents and carers have contributed to the plan within timescales.
4. Quality Standard Four – EHCPs are focussed on individual special educational needs and not medical diagnosis, highlight strengths and capabilities as well as the need for support or intervention.
5. Quality Standard Five – EHCPs specify the provision required and how education, health and care services will work together to meet the child or young person’s needs and support the achievement of the agreed outcomes, including transition planning.