EHCP Pathways: the perspective of parents and carers in Barking and Dagenham

At the start of 2023, Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham conducted a research project to look at the effectiveness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) and to understand what the barriers are in getting and following through an EHCP. Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham also investigated the areas of EHCP that are working well.  They undertook a focus group and a survey, hearing from 79 people.

Key findings:

•  83% of respondents indicated that their child had either fully or partly been supported to achieve their best educational outcomes
• 57% of respondents indicated that they and their child allowed to participate as fully as possible in decisions, and provided with the information and support necessary to do so
• 68% of parents/carers indicated that their child was offered careers advice, apprenticeship or work experience opportunities 

However, respondents' experiences varied, indicating that not everyone in need has equal access to the process and support. It became clear that some families go through the procedure without a SEN caseworker being involved, and that the process and follow-ups are lacking coordination from one. Along with speeding up access to services that are anticipated to operate more cooperatively, more has to be done to involve parents and carers in the discussion and support them in understanding the EHCP.

Overall, parents want their children and young people to be treated holistically and to have their opinions heard. Promotion and incorporation of excellent practice examples are required, based on feedback from participants, such as the SEN Caseworker being fully involved to reduce the burden of this complex process, and providing good communication on updates.