Does My Child Need an EHCP?
Understanding your child's needs and knowing when to ask for more support.
You know your child is struggling. Perhaps school has put some support in place, but things aren't improving. Maybe your child is coping during the school day but coming home completely overwhelmed. Or you've recently received an ADHD or autism diagnosis and are wondering what additional support might be available.
You may have heard other parents talking about EHCPs, but you're unsure whether your child needs one, how they work or where to begin.
This page is here to help you understand your options — completely free.
You don't need to have all the answers before taking the first step.
WHAT IS AN EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged up to 25 who need special educational provision to be arranged through a plan.
It identifies their special educational needs, the outcomes they are working towards and the provision required to meet those needs. It can also include relevant health and social care needs and provision.
An EHCP helps ensure that the support a child requires is clearly identified and formally recorded.
It is not simply about additional funding or obtaining a diagnosis. It is about understanding a child's individual needs and ensuring the appropriate educational provision is in place.
WHY MIGHT A CHILD NEED AN EHCP?
Some children can have their special educational needs met through the support ordinarily available in their educational setting, including SEN Support.
Others may require provision that needs to be arranged through an EHCP.
An EHC needs assessment may be appropriate where a child has, or may have, special educational needs and it may be necessary for special educational provision to be made through an EHC plan.
This might be worth exploring if your child:
Continues to experience significant difficulties despite support being provided.
Requires substantial adult support, individualised teaching or specialist interventions.
Experiences emotional distress, dysregulation or anxiety that affects their access to education.
Is struggling to attend school because of unmet needs.
Requires specialist support to access learning, communication or everyday school activities.
Makes progress only because significant additional support is consistently in place.
Has needs that are not yet fully understood or adequately supported.
An EHCP isn't determined by how difficult a child's behaviour appears or how far behind they are academically.
The important question is whether their special educational needs may require provision to be made through an EHC plan.
DOES MY CHILD NEED A DIAGNOSIS?
No. A diagnosis is not required to request an EHC needs assessment.
Children with ADHD, autism or other diagnosed conditions do not automatically require an EHCP, and children without a diagnosis may still need one.
The focus should be on the child's individual needs, how those needs affect their access to education and the support required.
For example, a child may be academically capable but experience significant difficulties with emotional regulation, communication, sensory processing or attending school.
Their needs still deserve to be understood and appropriately supported.
WHAT IF SCHOOL SAYS MY CHILD DOESN'T NEED ONE?
It can be difficult when you feel your child needs more support but the school has a different view.
Parents can request an EHC needs assessment directly from their Local Authority. You do not need the school to make the request on your behalf or agree with your decision.
It can still be helpful to speak with the school's SENCO, understand what support is currently being provided and gather relevant information about your child's needs and progress.
Remember, an EHC needs assessment is the first stage of the process. Requesting an assessment does not automatically mean an EHCP will be issued.
NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN? START WITH THESE QUESTIONS.
You don't need to complete a formal assessment yourself. However, reflecting on your child's experiences may help you understand what is happening and identify information worth discussing with school.
1. What is my child finding difficult?
Think beyond academic attainment. Consider communication, friendships, emotional wellbeing, sensory needs, independence, attention and attendance.
2. How are these difficulties affecting everyday life?
What happens before school, during the school day and afterwards? Are there things your child can only manage with significant support?
3. What support is currently in place?
Consider adjustments, interventions, adult assistance, individual plans and professional involvement.
4. Is that support making a difference?
What has improved? What remains difficult? Does your child only manage because substantial support is consistently provided?
5. What does my child need to feel safe, included and able to access education?
Think about what helps them succeed, rather than focusing only on what they struggle with.
These questions can help you begin building a clearer picture of your child's needs.
PRACTICAL SUPPORT YOU CAN START USING AT HOME
Understanding your child's needs is an important part of supporting them, whether or not you decide to pursue an EHCP.
If you're currently struggling with behaviour, emotional regulation, boundaries or understanding a neurodivergent child, you may find my Parent Toolkit Collection a helpful starting point.
Each guide is designed to translate specialist knowledge into practical strategies you can use in everyday family life.
The Parent Toolkit Collection
Foundation Programme - Toolkit One
Looking Beyond the Behaviour
Looking Beyond the Behaviour is the first guide in the Parent Toolkit Collection; a series of practical, evidence-informed resources designed to help parents better understand, support and positively influence their child's behaviour.
Rather than simply telling you what to do, this toolkit explains why behaviour happens and gives you practical activities to help you apply your learning in everyday family life.
This toolkit includes 50 pages split into two printable PDF downloads:
📘 Parent Guide
A professionally written guide combining research, practical strategies and real-life examples to help you understand behaviour through a different lens. Drawing on evidence-informed approaches, including the PACE framework and collaborative problem-solving principles, the guide explores why behaviour occurs and how understanding it is the first step towards creating positive change.
📖 Interactive Workbook
A companion workbook filled with practical templates, guided activities and planning tools designed to help you put the theory into practice. From behaviour observation and ABC tracking to action planning and reflection exercises, the workbook supports you in applying your learning to your own child and family.
What you'll learn
Why behaviour is a form of communication.
How to identify patterns, triggers and unmet needs.
Practical ways to observe and understand behaviour.
How your responses can influence behaviour over time.
How to use the PACE approach to strengthen connection whilst maintaining boundaries.
How to create realistic action plans to support lasting change.
Who is this toolkit for?
This resource is ideal for parents and carers of children who are displaying behaviours that they find difficult to understand or manage. Whether your child has additional needs, is awaiting assessment, or simply needs additional support, this toolkit will help you develop the knowledge and confidence to respond with greater understanding and purpose.
Contents
A Personal Welcome
How to get the most from this guide
Section One - Behaviour is Communication
Section Two - Looking Beyond the Behaviour
Section Three - From Reaction to Response
Section Four - The PACE Approach
Take Ten
Templates and Notes(Workbook) with 7 activities including:
My Child at a Glance
7-Day Observation and Reflection
Understanding The Triggers
From Reaction to Response Planner
Celebrate the Wins
My Next Steps
Tasks & Notes
Why start here?
This is the first and most important toolkit in the Parent Toolkit Collection.
Before we can change behaviour, we first need to understand it.
Everything that follows in the collection builds on the knowledge and skills introduced in this guide, making it the perfect place to begin your journey.
Instant Digital Download
✔ Printable PDF format
✔ Two professionally designed resources included (Guide + Workbook)
✔ Download immediately after purchase
✔ Complete at your own pace and revisit whenever you need it
Developed by Sladen Advisory using professional experience alongside recognised, evidence-informed approaches to behaviour, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
Understand what may be driving your child's behaviour, recognise unmet needs and begin responding with greater confidence.
The Parent Toolkit Collection
Foundation Programme - Toolkit Two
Understanding Emotional Regulation
Understanding Emotional Regulation is the second guide in the Foundation Programme of the Parent Toolkit Collection; a series of practical, evidence-informed resources designed to help parents better understand, support and nurture their child's emotional development.
Building on the foundations introduced in Looking Beyond the Behaviour, this toolkit explores what happens inside a child's brain and body during moments of emotional overwhelm and provides practical strategies to help children feel safe, calm and connected.
This toolkit includes 40+ pages split into two printable PDF downloads:
📘 Parent Guide
A professionally written guide combining neuroscience, child development theory and practical strategies to help you understand emotional regulation. Drawing on evidence-informed approaches, including Dr Daniel Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain, Bruce Perry's Regulate, Relate, Reason framework, and the Window of Tolerance, the guide explains why children become dysregulated and how parents can confidently support them through challenging moments.
📖 Interactive Workbook
A companion workbook filled with practical templates, guided activities and planning tools designed to help you apply the theory to your own child. From creating your child's Regulation Profile and mapping their Window of Tolerance to building a personalised Regulation Toolkit and Co-Regulation Plan, the workbook supports you in putting your learning into everyday practice.
What you'll learn
What emotional regulation is and how it develops throughout childhood.
What happens in a child's brain during moments of emotional overwhelm.
How to recognise when your child is moving in and out of their Window of Tolerance.
Why some children find emotional regulation more challenging than others.
Practical strategies to support co-regulation and emotional development.
How to create everyday opportunities that strengthen emotional regulation over time
Who is this toolkit for?
This resource is ideal for parents and carers who want to better understand their child's emotions and develop practical strategies to support emotional regulation. Whether your child experiences frequent meltdowns, struggles with anxiety, finds transitions difficult, or simply experiences emotions intensely, this toolkit will help you build confidence in supporting them with empathy, consistency and evidence-informed approaches.
Contents
A Personal Welcome
How to Get the Most from This Guide
Section One – What is Emotional Regulation?
Section Two – Why Can't They Just Calm Down?
Section Three – Understanding the Window of Tolerance
Section Four – Why Do Some Children Find Emotional Regulation Harder?
Section Five – Supporting Emotional Regulation
Take Ten
Templates & Activities (Workbook)
My Child's Regulation Profile
Understanding My Child's Window of Tolerance
Building My Child's Regulation Toolkit
My Co-Regulation Plan
Creating Everyday Opportunities for Regulation
My Weekly Regulation Check-In
Notes
Why choose this toolkit?
Understanding behaviour is the first step—but understanding why children become emotionally overwhelmed is what helps us respond differently.
As the second guide in the Foundation Programme, this toolkit builds on the principles introduced in Looking Beyond the Behaviour, helping parents move from understanding behaviour to actively supporting emotional regulation. Together, these two guides provide the foundations for building calmer, more connected relationships and helping children develop lifelong emotional regulation skills.
Instant Digital Download
✔ Printable PDF format
✔ Two professionally designed resources included (Guide + Workbook)
✔ Download immediately after purchase
✔ Complete at your own pace and revisit whenever you need it
Developed by Sladen Advisory using professional experience alongside recognised, evidence-informed approaches to child development, neuroscience, emotional regulation and trauma-informed practice.
Explore why children experience big emotions and practical ways to support the development of emotional regulation skills.
The Parent Toolkit Collection
Foundation Programme – Toolkit Three
Co-Regulation & De-escalation
Co-Regulation & De-escalation is the third guide in the Parent Toolkit Collection; a series of practical, evidence-informed resources designed to help parents build stronger relationships, respond confidently during challenging moments and support their child's emotional development.
Building on the understanding developed in the first two toolkits, this guide focuses on one of the most powerful influences on a child's ability to regulate—the calm, consistent support of a trusted adult. You'll discover practical strategies to reduce emotional escalation, strengthen connection and help your child develop lifelong emotional regulation skills.
This toolkit includes 37 pages split into two printable PDF downloads:
📘 Parent Guide
A professionally written guide combining research, practical strategies and real-life examples to help you understand the principles of co-regulation and emotional de-escalation. Drawing on evidence-informed approaches including Polyvagal Theory, attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology, the guide explores how children learn emotional regulation through relationships and how parents can confidently support them during difficult moments.
📖 Interactive Workbook
A companion workbook filled with guided reflections, practical planning tools and personalised activities designed to help you apply the learning to your own family. From recognising escalation patterns and building your own co-regulation toolkit to planning for challenging situations and reflecting on moments of repair, the workbook supports you in developing calm, connected responses with confidence.
What You'll Learn
What co-regulation is and why it is essential for emotional development.
Why your own emotional regulation plays a key role in supporting your child.
How to recognise the early signs of emotional escalation.
Practical strategies to co-regulate during challenging moments.
How to reduce conflict whilst maintaining connection and boundaries.
Why repair and reconnection are essential parts of healthy relationships.
Who Is This Toolkit For?
This resource is ideal for parents and carers who want to respond more confidently when their child experiences big emotions, meltdowns or challenging behaviour. Whether your child struggles with emotional regulation, has additional needs, is awaiting assessment or simply needs extra support, this toolkit will help you develop practical, relationship-based strategies that strengthen connection whilst reducing emotional escalation.
Contents
Parent Guide
A Personal Welcome
How to Get the Most from This Guide
Section One – What is Co-Regulation?
Section Two – Why Your Calm Matters
Section Three – Recognising Escalation Before It Happens
Section Four – Co-Regulation in Practice
Section Five – Repairing, Reconnecting & Moving Forward
Take Ten
One Final Thought
Theories & Approaches Referenced
Further Reading
Interactive Workbook
Includes six practical activities:
My Child's Escalation Profile
Understanding My Responses
Building My Co-Regulation Toolkit
Planning for Everyday Co-Regulation
Reflect, Repair & Reconnect
Weekly Co-Regulation Check-In
Why Continue the Foundation Programme?
Understanding behaviour is only the beginning.
Once we understand why behaviour happens and how emotional regulation develops, the next step is learning how to respond in ways that help children feel safe, connected and understood.
This toolkit provides practical strategies that help you reduce emotional escalation, strengthen your relationship with your child and build the foundations for lifelong emotional wellbeing.
Instant Digital Download
✔ Printable PDF format
✔ Two professionally designed resources included (Guide + Workbook)
✔ Download immediately after purchase
✔ Complete at your own pace and revisit whenever you need it
Developed by Sladen Advisory using professional experience alongside recognised, evidence-informed approaches to child development, attachment, emotional regulation, neuroscience, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
Understand how your response can support a child during moments of distress and learn practical approaches for difficult situations.
The Parent Toolkit Collection
Neurodiversity & Individual Differences Programme – Toolkit One
Understanding ADHD
Understanding ADHD is the first guide in the Neurodiversity & Individual Differences Programme; a series of practical, evidence-informed resources designed to help parents better understand their child's unique neurodevelopmental profile and confidently support them at home and beyond.
Rather than focusing solely on behaviours or challenges, this toolkit explains how ADHD affects the brain, learning, emotions and everyday life, helping you understand why your child may experience the world differently. Combining research with practical activities, you'll learn how to recognise your child's individual strengths, identify areas where they need additional support and develop realistic strategies that work for your family.
This toolkit includes 40+ pages split into two printable PDF downloads:
📘 Parent Guide
A professionally written guide combining current research, practical strategies and relatable examples to help you understand ADHD beyond common myths and misconceptions. Drawing on evidence-informed approaches and current understanding of neurodevelopment, the guide explores attention regulation, executive functioning, emotional regulation and practical ways to support your child to thrive.
📖 Interactive Workbook
A companion workbook filled with practical templates, guided activities and personalised planning tools designed to help you apply your learning to your own child. Through structured reflections, practical exercises and individual support planning, you'll develop a clearer understanding of your child's ADHD profile and build strategies that can be used in everyday family life.
What you'll learn
What ADHD really is—and what it isn't.
How ADHD affects attention, executive functioning and emotional regulation.
Why every child with ADHD presents differently.
How to recognise your child's individual strengths and support needs.
Practical strategies to support organisation, focus and everyday routines.
How to create a personalised ADHD support plan that works for your family.
Who is this toolkit for?
This resource is ideal for parents and carers of children with ADHD, those awaiting assessment or diagnosis, or families who simply want to better understand how ADHD affects everyday life. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this toolkit will help you build confidence, reduce uncertainty and develop practical strategies to support your child's development.
Contents
A Personal Welcome
How to get the most from this guide
Section One – Understanding ADHD: More Than Just Attention
Section Two – The ADHD Brain: Understanding Everyday Differences
Section Three – ADHD in Everyday Life
Section Four – Supporting Your Child to Thrive
Take Ten
Theories and Approaches Referenced
Further Reading
What Comes Next
Templates and Notes (Workbook) with 5 activities including:
Understanding My Child's ADHD Profile
My Child's Executive Functioning Profile
Understanding Attention Patterns
Creating an ADHD-Friendly Home
Building My Child's ADHD Support Plan
Why start here?
Understanding your child's ADHD is one of the most powerful steps you can take as a parent.
When you understand how your child's brain works, everyday behaviours begin to make more sense, allowing you to respond with greater empathy, confidence and purpose.
This toolkit provides the knowledge and practical foundations that will support your learning throughout the rest of the Neurodiversity & Individual Differences Programme.
Instant Digital Download
✔ Printable PDF format
✔ Two professionally designed resources included (Guide + Workbook)
✔ Download immediately after purchase
✔ Complete at your own pace and revisit whenever you need it
Developed by Sladen Advisory using professional experience alongside recognised, evidence-informed approaches to neurodevelopment, SEND, behaviour and child development.
A practical introduction to ADHD, including attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation and everyday support.
These resources are designed to support you and your child. They are not a requirement before requesting an EHC needs assessment and do not replace educational provision that your child may need.
READY TO EXPLORE AN EHC NEEDS ASSESSMENT?
If you've read through this information and believe your child may require support through an EHCP, the next step is understanding how to request an EHC needs assessment.
You can find out what the process involves, what information to include and how to begin gathering relevant evidence.
WOULD YOU PREFER PERSONALISED GUIDANCE?
Let's look at your child's circumstances together.
I'm Melissa, a qualified teacher and former Deputy Headteacher within specialist SEMH/SEND education.
I've worked extensively with children and young people with EHCPs, alongside families, schools, Local Authorities and external professionals. I have completed the Enhance ‘Fundamentals of Writing EHCP’s Course’, meaning I know EXACTLY what needs to be included.
I established Sladen Advisory because I know how overwhelming it can feel when your child is struggling and you're unsure where to turn.
During a consultation, we can discuss your child's needs, review the support currently available and explore whether requesting an EHC needs assessment may be an appropriate next step.
60-Minute Parent Support Consultation — £125
You don't need to have everything organised before contacting me. We can start with where you are now.