How To Become an EHC Plan Writer
21 Dec, 20231-2 minutes
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, just under 1.5 million pupils in England have SEND and pupils with an EHC Plan made up one quarter of all pupils with SEND in 2022.
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. According to the Gov.UK, the number of pupils with an EHC Plan has increased by 50% and the percentage of pupils with SEND but without an EHC plan has increased to 13.0% in 2023.
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.
Skills 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.
Skills to become an EHC Plan Writer:
- 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.
Experience needed 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.
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.
Recruit EHC Plan Writers
As an award winning SEND recruitment agency in the UK, we support Local Authorities with their recruitment needs, whether it be for EHC Plan Writers, SEN Case Officers or Educational Psychologists.
Our team of SEND specialists are experts in this sector and are well equipped to offer expertise and advice to find the best talent for your needs. Divisional Manager Richard Shorrock recently won Best Temporary Consultant at the Global Recruiter Awards so he is more than qualified and happy to help!
EHC Plan Writer jobs
Searching for your next temporary, interim or permanent EHC Plan Writer job? Check out the latest vacancies or upload your CV and be contacted when relevant opportunities become available.
We work with local authorities all over the UK and can offer some of the best opportunities on the market with competitive rates of pay.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Since 2017, we’ve been challenging and innovating the recruitment industry beyond convention to create a better recruitment experience. From the heart of our organisation to the way we conduct business, we are determined to create positive change and remodel employee engagement.
Recruitment is all about perfectly matching candidates and clients. But we believe in finding candidates a job that has the ability to enhance their salary and standard of living and better their work life balance and mental health.
As we evolve, our commitment to being a positive influence and an industry leader continues to motivate us to create a better future for all.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
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