Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Helping parents and carers to understand what the school, the Local Authority, and external agencies are responsible for.

Parents often tell us that the SEND system can feel complicated, particularly when multiple services are involved. This FAQ aims to clearly explain what the school can control, what sits with the Local Authority (LA), and what decisions are made by external agencies, so that expectations are realistic and communication is clear.

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EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans)

Who writes, issues, and updates an EHCP?

The Local Authority. Schools contribute advice, attend reviews, provide school level evidence and request contributions and evidence from external professionals, but only the LA can create, amend, or finalise an EHCP.

Can the school change the provision in my child’s EHCP?

No, we can only make recommendations in Section F (Education provision) Schools implement the provision but cannot change it. Any amendments must go through the LA where they will be reviewed by a SEN caseworker. Plans are then either maintained (not changed) or amended.

Who decides which school is named on the EHCP?

The LA is the placement authority. Schools can say whether they can or cannot meet need, but the final decision sits with the Local Authority, not the school. The Local Authority name the provision in Section I.

Who decides on the funding and staffing provision written in EHCP’s? (Including 1:1 support)

The LA—not the school—decides the level of support (including 1:1 hours). Schools deliver provision as written in the Section F in the EHCP. Health professionals are responsible are responsibly for implementing the provision stated in Section G, and needs stated in Section C. Social Care professionals are responsible for section D and H. School can only amend Sections B, E and F.

Transport for Pupils (Including Those With EHCPs)

Who is responsible for arranging transport to school?

The Local Authority. Not the school. Transport decisions — including eligibility, routes, escorts, and travel arrangements — are the responsibility of the LA’s School Transport Team, even when a child has an EHCP.

Can the school request transport for my child?

The school can provide supporting information, but it cannot approve, organise, or guarantee transport. Any queries must go directly to the Local Authority Transport Team.

What if I disagree with the transport decision?

Parents must follow the LA’s transport appeals process. The school is not able to overturn or influence LA transport decisions.

School Provision and Daily Support

What support is the school responsible for day-to-day?

The school controls:

· Quality First Teaching

· Reasonable adjustments

· Implementing EHCP educational provision

· Pastoral support and safeguarding

· Communication with parents

· Evidence and referrals to external agencies where appropriate

What is not within the school’s control?

The school cannot control:

· EHCP content

· LA timelines for decisions or assessments

· Availability of external therapists (SALT, OT, CAMHS, Physiotherapy, Dieticians etc)

· Funding levels allocated by the LA

· Transport decisions (LA responsibility)

· Health or Social Care provision

· Health and Social Care contribution for annual reviews.

External Agencies

Who decides if my child receives therapy (e.g., Speech & Language, OT, CAMHS)?

These services are governed by Health or Social Care teams, not the school. The school can support referrals, provide evidence, and implement advice, but cannot mandate or fast-track appointments.

Raising Concerns or Complaints

What if my concern relates to something the school does not control (e.g., EHCP content, funding, transport)?

The school will:

· Help you understand the correct process

· Provide any required evidence

· Signpost you to the correct LA team

But it cannot change or override LA decisions.

What if the concern is about support in school?

The school will review its practice, investigate the concern, and explain what actions it can take directly.

Quick Summary: Who Does What?

School responsibility:

✔ Teaching and learning ✔ Pastoral support and safety ✔ Implementing EHCP education provision ✔ Day-to-day adjustments and interventions ✔ Education evidence for EHCP reviews ✔ Referrals to external services

✔Holding annual reviews to review EHCPs, submit review forms and contributions to the LA.

Local Authority responsibility:

✔ Writing, issuing, and amending EHCPs ✔ Placement decisions (school named in EHCP) ✔ SEND funding and high-needs allocations (including staffing allocations and funding) ✔ Transport to school ✔ Specialist assessments

Health & Social Care responsibility:

✔ Therapy services (SALT, OT, Physio, CAMHS) ✔ Clinical assessments and treatment ✔ Social care assessments and support

✔Providing evidence and contribution to the support the annual review process