What is an EHCP Coordinator?

An EHCP Coordinator is a professional who facilitates the process of creating and managing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). 

EHCP Coordinators collaborate with Local Authorities and educational institutions to ensure that EHC plans are understood and created with input from the right stakeholders. EHC plans are legal documents created to identify the support a child with SEND will have throughout their education. An EHCP Coordinator must ensure that an EHC plan aligns with statutory requirements and a person's needs. For this reason, they must collaborate with various stakeholders, including parents/carers, educational professionals, health practitioners, and social care professionals. 

EHCP Coordinators gather information, assess the child's needs, coordinate assessments, and draft EHCPs. They ensure the plans are implemented effectively, review progress, and make necessary updates to support the child's educational and developmental needs.

As an EHCP Coordinator, prioritising the welfare and educational success of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is essential in every decision made. A thorough understanding of the SEND Code of Practice is crucial for EHCP Coordinators to meet national standards effectively. EHCP Coordinators should also prioritise ongoing professional growth to stay informed about the latest legislation and developments in the SEND sector.

An EHCP Coordinator's role involves a variety of responsibilities focused on fostering positive learning and social experiences for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). EHCP Coordinators must evaluate a child's needs to ensure that EHC plans effectively address those requirements. They are responsible for keeping accurate records associated with the EHCP process. 

An EHCP Coordinators responsibilities might include:

• Collaborate with parents/carers, educational professionals, health practitioners, and social care professionals to gather information about a child's special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
• Conduct assessments and reviews to determine the child's needs and requirements.
• Coordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary meetings to develop Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Ensure that EHCPs are person-centred, comprehensive, and meet legal requirements to create positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Act as the central point of contact for parents/carers, professionals, and agencies involved in the EHCP process to ensure clear communication between all parties. 
• Coordinate assessments, reviews, and meetings to ensure timely and accurate information exchange. 
• Maintain accurate records related to the EHCP process. This allows EHCP Coordinators to ensure legal compliance and identify areas of need within a child’s development. EHCP Coordinators must also provide reports to Local Authorities and relevant bodies as required.
• Collaborate with educators, including Teachers, Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs), and support staff, to carry out the provisions specified in EHCPs.
• Collaborate with health practitioners, therapists, and social care professionals to coordinate and monitor the delivery of health and social care services as specified in EHCPs.
• Provide guidance and support to professionals involved in implementing EHCP provisions to ensure consistency in implementation.
• Regularly review and monitor the child's progress, ensuring that EHCP provisions are effectively implemented.
• Participate in annual reviews and contribute to the evaluation of the child's progress and the effectiveness of EHCP provisions.

An EHCP Coordinator typically requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Special Education, Psychology, or Social Work. In some cases a masters degree is also required by an employer. 

All EHCP Coordinators must have a solid understanding of SEND legislation, particularly the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice. This knowledge is essential for delivering positive outcomes for children and young people with SEND and meeting national standards. 

Experience in the SEND sector or a related field, along with relevant training and certifications in SEND and EHCPs, is advantageous to employers.

Familiarity with assessment methods, support services, and interventions for special educational needs is also beneficial. It is important to recognise that qualifications and requirements can differ based on the Local Authority or educational setting.

When applying to EHCP Coordinator jobs, the employer will specify the necessary qualifications in the job description.

The salary of an EHCP Coordinator in the UK typically ranges from £27,000 per annum to £38,000 per annum. The average base salary of an EHCP Coordinator is roughly £32,000 a year. New EHCP Coordinators beginning their careers typically earn at the lower end of the salary range, while more experienced EHCP Coordinators earn higher salaries which reflect their expertise in the field. 

The salary of an EHCP Coordinator can fluctuate depending on the employer and where they are located. For example, Local Authorities in London generally pay a higher salary than those in the North of England. The salary gap highlights the variations in the cost of living and the typically higher pay scales found in public sector jobs in London.

EHCP Coordinators are typically employed by Local Authorities, specifically within their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) departments. EHCP Coordinators are employed within these settings to develop the EHC plans of children residing within the local area. EHCP Coordinators are usually employed alongside Educational Psychologists, EHC Plan Writers and other SEND professionals. Local Authorities have a statutory responsibility to assess, plan, and coordinate support for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. 

EHCP Coordinators often collaborate with educational institutions, including schools, academies, and colleges, to oversee and streamline the EHCP process within their organisations. Even if they are not directly employed by a school, an EHCP Coordinator frequently works alongside SENCO’s to ensure positive learning outcomes for children and young people.

Some EHCP Coordinators are employed by independent organisations or charities which offer support and advocacy for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The EHCP Coordinator role offers excellent opportunities for career growth in the local authority SEND sector. Before becoming an EHCP Coordinator, individuals can gain valuable experience by working with young people who have special educational needs and disabilities as a SEN Teaching Assistant.

EHCP Coordinators can progress professionally by pursuing specialisms within the profession. Some EHCP Coordinators specialise in autism, giving them a deep understanding of how to support children with autism spectrum disorder. Specialising in this area can involve implementing refined strategies and understanding how children with autism communicate and learn. 

EHCP Coordinators can progress into leadership positions, such as Head of SEND, or transition into advisory roles, where they provide guidance to schools and Local Authorities.

The private sector also offers EHCP Coordinators the opportunity to work as an independent SEND consultant.