SEND and EHCP Support
Getting the right support for your child can feel overwhelming – especially when it comes to the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process. We’ve worked with a local SEND coach to create a clear guide to help you understand what happens, when, and how to get started.
This guide is specifically for children with Down syndrome, but the process applies to all children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) is a legal document that sets out your child’s needs and the extra support they require in education.
It can cover things like:
- Speech and language therapy
- Support in mainstream or special schools
- Occupational therapy
- One-to-one support in class
- Specialist equipment or adaptations
- Health and social care provision (if needed)
If your child has a diagnosis of Down syndrome, they may automatically meet the threshold for an EHCP because of their lifelong learning disability and additional needs – but you still need to request one.
When Should I Apply?
You can apply for an EHCP at any age, even before your child starts nursery. Starting early is key, especially if:
- You want support in place before school starts
- Your child is struggling in their current setting
- You’re facing delays in accessing therapies or assessments
Many families begin the process in the year before their child starts reception (usually age 3–4), but you don’t have to wait until then.
Who Can Apply for an EHCP?
- Parents or carers can apply directly at any time
- Early years settings, nurseries, schools or health professionals can also apply on your behalf
- If your child is not yet in an educational setting, you can still apply yourself
To apply, contact your local authority’s SEND team and request an EHC needs assessment. You can do this by email or in writing.
If you’re not sure how to start, Sundowns can help guide you through the process.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit a request for an EHC needs assessment:
- The local authority must reply within 6 weeks
- If they agree to assess, they’ll gather evidence from professionals (like speech therapists, paediatricians, teachers, etc.)
- You’ll be asked to provide your views and your child’s views
The full process from request to final plan should take no more than 20 weeks
Understanding the SEND Timeline
Here’s a simplified version of how the SEND journey might look:
Age 0–1: Early Identification
- Diagnosis of Down syndrome, often at or shortly after birth
- Health visitors and paediatricians involved
- You can start gathering evidence if you think your child may need support later
Age 1–3: Early Years Support
- Portage, speech therapy or physio may begin
- Attend toddler groups or Signing for Babies
- Consider starting EHCP request if needed
Age 3–4: Nursery/Preschool
- Speak to nursery SENCO about support
- Apply for EHCP if not already in place
- Begin transition planning for school
Age 4–5: Starting School
- EHCP ideally finalised by summer term before Reception starts
- Placement named in EHCP (mainstream or special school)
- Support package in place
After Starting School
- Annual reviews ensure the EHCP still meets your child’s needs
Reassessments can be requested if your child’s needs change
What If Your Child’s Not in Nursery or School Yet?
You don’t need to wait for nursery or school to get an EHCP.
If your child is at home or not yet in an educational setting:
- You can request an EHCP yourself as a parent
- Include any existing health professional reports or early intervention notes
- Explain why you believe your child will need support in education
You do not need a nursery or school to start the process – and early applications can help avoid delays later.
Annual Reviews – What You Need to Know
Once your child has an EHCP, it must be reviewed at least once a year.
- Children under 5 should have a review every 6 months
- The school or nursery SENCO usually arranges the review
- You should be invited to attend and share your views
- Reports from teachers, therapists and other professionals will be gathered
If you think your child’s needs have changed significantly, you can also request a reassessment at any time – even between annual reviews.
If the EHCP Review Doesn’t Happen
By law, the local authority must ensure your child’s EHCP is reviewed annually.
If the review doesn’t happen:
- Ask your child’s school or nursery SENCO if it’s been scheduled
- Contact your local SEND team if no date is set
- Keep a written record of all communications
It’s your right as a parent to request the review, and Sundowns can support you in following this up.
Sundowns Can Help
We know the EHCP process can feel daunting – but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Sundowns offers:
- An Annual EHCP Workshop with Rosie, a local SEND Coach
- 1:1 guidance for parents who need help understanding or starting the process
- A community of other families who’ve been through it before
Our aim is to make sure every child with Down syndrome living on the Wirral gets the support they’re entitled to, and that every parent feels confident in advocating for them.
Start Early to Avoid Delays
One of the biggest reasons EHCPs are delayed is waiting for specialist reports:
- Educational Psychologist assessments
- Speech and language therapy reports
- Occupational therapy input
Some families choose to go private to speed things up – but this isn’t always possible.
That’s why we recommend starting the EHCP process as early as possible, ideally a full school year before your child is due to start Reception.
Questions or Need Support?
You’re welcome to contact us at any time if you’d like advice or guidance on:
- Starting the EHCP process
- Gathering supporting evidence
- Preparing for your child’s annual review
- Connecting with other parents who’ve been there too
We’re here for you – and we’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.