Is Your Child on the SEND Register but Doesn’t Have an EHCP? Here’s What You Should Expect

As a parent of a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), you might be wondering what support your child should receive if they’re on the SEND register but don’t yet have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). Being on the SEND register means your child’s school has identified that they have additional needs, but it doesn’t automatically mean they’ll get an EHCP.

What Does Being on the SEND Register Mean?

Being on the SEND register simply means that your child’s school has recognised that they have some additional needs that may require extra support. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll need an EHCP, but it does mean that the school should be taking steps to support your child in ways that are tailored to their specific needs.

There are four broad categories of SEND:

• Communication and interaction (e.g., speech and language difficulties, autism)
• Cognition and learning (e.g., dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties)
• Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety, regulation needs )
• Sensory and/or physical needs (e.g., hearing impairment, physical disabilities)

If your child has been identified as needing support in one or more of these areas, they should be placed on the SEND register, where the school will provide additional resources or interventions to help them succeed.

It is important to note that your child may have needs that span one or more of these areas of need.

2. What Support Should My Child Be Getting?

Even without an EHCP, your child should still be receiving targeted support. The school should have a clear plan in place to help your child meet their educational, social, and emotional needs. Here are some types of support you should expect:

• Quality first teaching: The starting point for all children is high-quality teaching that takes into account different needs. Your child should be taught in a way that’s accessible to them, with adjustments made as necessary.
• Targeted interventions: If your child’s needs are more specific, the school may provide additional, small-group interventions or one-to-one support.
• Personalised learning: The school may adapt the curriculum to suit your child’s learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. For example, your child might have modified homework or be given additional time for tasks, depending on their needs.
• Regular monitoring: The school should be regularly assessing your child’s progress and adjusting the support they receive based on how they’re doing. This should be done through ongoing observation, formal assessments, and discussions with you as a parent. This is called the Graduated Response and is based on an assess, plan, do, review cycle.
• Involvement of external professionals: If your child’s needs are more complex, the school might involve external professionals. These professionals can offer advice and strategies to support your child’s development.

3. What Happens if My Child Isn’t Progressing with the Support Provided?

It’s important to keep open communication with the school to ensure your child’s needs are being met. If you notice that your child is still struggling despite the support they’re receiving, it’s essential to speak to the school about this.

The school may need to reassess the level of support they’re providing and make changes to their approach. In some cases, if progress remains limited, the school may consider requesting an EHCP assessment. This would be the next step if they believe your child requires additional, long-term support that goes beyond what can be offered within the school’s resources.

4. How Can I Support My Child at Home?

As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s development at home. Here are some ways you can help:

• Work closely with the school: Regular meetings with your child’s teachers and SEND coordinator (SENCo) to stay informed about their progress and how you can support them at home.
• Encourage a positive attitude towards learning: Help your child feel confident and motivated by celebrating their successes, no matter how small. Focus on their strengths and encourage them to keep trying when challenges arise.
• Provide a structured routine: Children with SEND often benefit from clear routines. Set aside specific times for homework, their own interests and other activities to help your child feel secure and focused.

5. What If My Child’s Needs Change?

Children’s needs can change over time. If your child’s difficulties become more pronounced or if their current support is no longer sufficient, it’s important to keep the conversation going with the school. You can request a review of their needs, which might involve bringing in additional support or even applying for an EHCP if it becomes clear that the current provision isn’t enough.

6. How Can I Advocate for My Child?

As a parent, you are your child’s most powerful advocate. If you feel that your child isn’t receiving the level of support they need, don’t hesitate to speak up. Here are a few tips for advocating effectively:

• Be informed: Know what the school is required to provide and be clear about your child’s needs.
• Keep records: Document your child’s progress, any meetings with the school, and the support they’ve been given.
• Collaborate with the school: Work together with the school staff, offering your insights and concerns in a positive, constructive manner.

The SEN Expert has services that can support you advocating for your child and their needs in school . The SEN Expert offers advocacy services to ensure your voice is heard with regard to securing the best support possible for your child. Advocacy services come in many forms. We offer in person support in meetings, planning sessions prior to meetings, telephone support and email support.

Being on the SEND register without an EHCP doesn’t mean your child is being left behind—it means the school has recognised that your child has additional needs and is committed to supporting them. With the right approach and ongoing collaboration, your child can make significant progress and feel supported in all areas of their development.