Communication provision in an EHCP

Also called SLT in an EHCP, Section F speech and language, AAC in an EHCP, EHCP communication

In England, speech and language therapy and AAC belong in Section F of an EHCP, quantified, and the council must then deliver them. Here is how.

What it is

An Education, Health and Care Plan is the legal document a council in England issues for a child or young person, from 0 to 25, whose special educational needs call for provision beyond what a school normally makes. Section F is the part listing the special educational provision, and section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014 puts an absolute duty on the council to secure it.

This is England only. Wales has Individual Development Plans under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018; Scotland has Co-ordinated Support Plans; Northern Ireland still uses statements of special educational needs. The principle that communication provision must be specific applies everywhere, but the enforcement differs.

Who it can help

A child or young person with an EHCP, or being assessed for one, whose needs include speech, language or communication. That is a large proportion of plans: language disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, learning disability and hearing loss all bring communication needs. Also a young person who uses AAC and needs the device, the vocabulary, the training and the therapy to be secured rather than hoped for.

It is not the route for a child without an EHCP; see communication support at school. And it does not cover the NHS's separate duties, which continue regardless.

How it works

The SEND Code of Practice says speech and language therapy is normally special educational provision, so it goes in Section F, not Section G (health), even when an NHS therapist delivers it. That matters because only Section F carries the absolute duty. The provision must be specific and quantified: type, who delivers it, how often, for how long, and in what setting. "Access to SLT as required" is not provision. "Direct therapy from a qualified SLT for 45 minutes fortnightly, a programme for daily delivery by a trained TA, and termly training of staff in aided language stimulation" is.

AAC goes in the same section: the device or app by name or by specification, the vocabulary, mounting if needed, training for staff and family, technical support and a replacement plan. The council then has to secure all of it, and "the NHS has not provided the therapist" is not a defence.

Getting started

Get the speech and language therapy report that feeds the plan, and check every recommendation against the test: could a stranger deliver it from the page? If not, write to the therapist and ask for it to be made specific and quantified; therapists know why.

When the draft plan arrives, compare Section F line by line with the report. Anything that has been softened, moved to Section G or dropped is a point to raise in writing within the 15-day consultation window. Ask for AAC to be named as a system with its support, not as "access to technology".

If the final plan is still vague, that is an appealable ground at the SEND Tribunal, and vague Section F is the most commonly won point there. Get advice before you appeal, but do not assume you have to accept it.

Where to get help

IPSEA has free legal advice, model letters and a Section F checklist. Special Needs Jungle explains the process in parents' language. Council for Disabled Children publishes the official guidance for families. Communication Matters has guidance on AAC in EHCPs. The gov.uk page on children with special educational needs is the official starting point.