School not following an EHCP: what to do when provision is missing

A final EHC plan is a legal document. Section B describes special educational needs; Section F sets out the special educational provision required. Read the wording closely: note who is expected to deliver support, how often, for how long and in what circumstances. Vague expectations are harder to check than specific provision. Keep a factual record of missing provision: dates, timetabled sessions, correspondence, meeting notes and the impact on access to learning, wellbeing or attendance. Ask the school or setting in writing what is currently being delivered, what is not, why and when it will be put in place. The local authority remains responsible for securing the special educational provision in Section F, even where day-to-day delivery is through a school or setting. An annual review may be appropriate where the plan itself needs changing. If the provision is already clearly specified but is not being delivered, ask for a prompt written response rather than waiting for the next annual review. SENDIASS can provide free impartial information. Specialist legal advice may be appropriate where a serious provision dispute remains unresolved.