How To Become an EHC Plan Writer

In this blog, you will learn:

• The skills needed to become an EHC Plan Writer.
• The experience and qualifications needed to become an EHC Plan Writer.
• Additional training to become an EHC Plan Writer.
• Where the latest EHC Plan Writer jobs are and how to apply for them.

An EHC (Education, Health, and Care) Plan Writer is a rewarding job that can make a positive difference to the lives of pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

According to Gov.UK, Over 1.7 million pupils in England have SEND yet only 482,640 pupils in England have an EHC Plan. 

The number of children and young people who need SEND support has been steadily increasing and the demand for EHC Plan Writers has never been greater. 

If you're interested in becoming an EHC Plan Writer, this guide will provide information on the responsibilities, qualifications and necessary skills to develop the expertise needed for this role. 

How to become an EHC Plan Writer

EHC plan writing is a complex task, and EHC Plan Writers play a crucial role in assessing, planning, and documenting the support needs of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the United Kingdom.

Writing Education, Health and Care Plans can be mentally challenging and these professionals typically need a combination of education, experience, and skills to become an EHC Plan Writer.

What are the skills needed to become an EHC Plan Writer?

Becoming an EHC Plan Writer requires a strong educational background, relevant skills, and a commitment to supporting children and young people with SEND. Building your skills and staying up-to-date with developments in the field will help candidates succeed in this rewarding career.

An EHC Plan Writer is expected to have a variety of skills to provide guidance, practical strategies and opportunities to apply what they have learnt about a pupil’s needs. They provide guidance and practical strategies to apply what they have learnt about a pupil’s needs in order to give them opportunities to flourish.

The skills needed to become an EHC Plan Writer include:

• Excellent timekeeping and organisational skills.
• Empathetic and caring.
• Good communication skills.
• Clear writing skills.
• Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice.
• Flexible and adaptable.

Excellent timekeeping and organisational skills

EHC Plan Writers are required to manage their own time and work to strict deadlines. It is important to be able to work under your own initiative to manage complex casework and ensure quality is maintained.

It is essential for EHC Plan Writers to be able to manage multiple cases at any one time as workloads can often be big. 

Empathetic and caring

Being able to empathise and be sensitive in complex situations is essential to offer support and guidance to pupils with SEND, parents, teachers and local authorities. EHC Plan Writers must be understanding and listen without judgement.

The advanced ability to demonstrate tact, sensitivity and confidentiality in all dealings is a skill that all EHC Plan Writers should possess.

Good communication skills

Good interpersonal skills and the ability to form effective relationships and work well with others is crucial to become an EHC Plan Writer. EHC Plan Writers need excellent communication skills to work effectively with children, young people, parents, schools, and healthcare professionals as well as to present to a wide range of audiences.

Clear writing skills

EHCP Writers must have the ability to write clearly and succinctly, to a high standard and with attention to detail. As a legal document, the plan should contain lots of concise, formal and factual content that covers all needs. 

EHC Plan Writers should be able to incorporate and structure a wide range of complex information and ensure that the wording of the plan reflects all of the advice submitted.

Knowledge of SEND Code of Practice

An EHC Plan Writer needs to have a knowledge and understanding of the principles and statutory processes outlined in the SEND Code of Practice. They must ensure that the plan meets the Code of Practice requirements as well as meets the needs of the student with SEND.

Flexible and adaptable

EHC Plan Writers must have an understanding of person-centred plan writing and the ability to work ‘with’ people, rather than ‘to’ them. This means being able to work around and adhere to other people’s availability and respond appropriately to families, situations and pressure to support timely and effective writing and issuing of Education Health and Care plans.

What experience must you have to become an EHC Plan Writer?

Most EHC Plan Writers have a background in education, special education, psychology, social work, or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This can provide a strong foundation to become an EHC Plan Writer, however it is imperative that candidates gain experience in SEND and have an understanding of EHCP processes.

As a minimum, EHC Plan Writers should have: 

• Knowledge of SEND law and the revised SEND code of practice.
• Experience in education or social care.
• A good working knowledge of Safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Experience in assessment and planning.
• Knowledge and an understanding of the main issues currently affecting the SEND system.
• Able to convey complex and sensitive information.

Knowledge of SEND law and the revised SEND code of practice

Candidates should familiarise themselves with relevant legislation in the UK, such as the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice.

The SEND code explains the duties of local authorities, health bodies, schools and colleges to provide for those with special educational needs under the Children and Families Act 2014. Understanding these laws and regulations is crucial for EHC Plan Writers.

Experience in education or social care

Prior experience working with children and young people with SEND is invaluable. This experience can be gained through volunteering, teaching, special educational needs support roles, or roles in social work.

A good working knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures

EHC Plan Writers are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of pupils with SEND. It is highly likely that you will be asked questions regarding safeguarding policies during your EHC Plan Writer interview.

Experience in assessment and planning

Candidates should be familiar with the assessment and planning process for children and young people with SEND. The ability to manage risks and overcome challenges is a key aspect of the role.

Knowledge and an understanding of the main issues currently affecting the SEND system

Stay informed about changes in SEND legislation and best practices in the field. Attend relevant training courses and workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills.

Able to convey complex and sensitive information

It is important that EHC Plan Writers have a knowledge and understanding in analysing and conveying complex information in a clear manner. 

EHC Plan Writers are expected to have writing experience and be able to convey who is required to do what, when it has to happen and how often it should be reviewed so that parents, young people, schools and local authorities understand.

What are the qualifications needed to become an EHC Plan Writer?

The exact qualifications required to become an EHCP Plan Writer can vary depending on the employer and the specific role, and some skills are more typically required or preferred.

Typically, EHC Plan Writers are expected to have: 

• A-level English Literature or similar as a minimum.
• Bachelor's degrees in education, special education, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• Relevant NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent (2 A Levels).
• Evidence of continuous professional development. Ongoing professional development is essential for improving understanding and guaranteeing consistency across services and local areas.

Additional training to become an EHC Plan Writer

The assessment, development and review of EHC plans involves complex processes and a wide range of professionals, services and expertise.

It might be worth considering additional training and qualifications. Some employers may require or prefer postgraduate qualifications, such as a master's degree in special education, educational psychology, or a related field, but they might also see the benefits in non-essential but highly desirable writing courses.

Earning accreditation or certification programs for EHC Plan Writers can demonstrate your expertise in the field and enhance your career prospects. 

EHC Plan Writer jobs

If you’re searching for your next EHC Plan Writer job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available. 

Recruit EHC Plan Writers

As specialist local authority SEND recruiters, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs. 

If you’re struggling to recruit, we have exclusive access to some of the most experienced EHC Plan Writers in the UK.

If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

• South of the UK - Richard Shorrock
• Midlands & North of the UK - Adam Zyda

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.