Life with little ones who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is full of new information, appointments, and paperwork. You might already be exploring financial support like DLA or adapting your routines to meet sensory needs. Another important part of the picture is understanding the Education, Health and Care Plan, or EHCP, and how it can support your child in the early years.
At Fun and Play, we are here to make sense of local services and support, so families can spend more time playing and less time worrying. Here’s a clear, practical look at what EHCPs mean for children under 5, and how to take the first steps if you think your child might need one.
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is a legally binding document that sets out a child’s educational, health, and social care needs, along with the support they need to access learning. It is designed for children and young people up to the age of 25 who need more help than what is typically provided in a nursery, preschool, school, or college.
For children in the early years, it can help secure important support like one-to-one staff, therapy sessions, or specialist equipment. EHCPs are tailored to each child and should reflect their unique needs and the provision needed to help them thrive.
Can children under 5 get an EHCP?
Yes, absolutely. An EHCP is just as relevant for a toddler in nursery as it is for a child in school. Although some local authorities might delay the process until school age, there is no minimum age for applying, and young children have the same right to access the support they need.
For children in nursery or preschool, an EHCP can help fund support such as:
- A keyworker or teaching assistant with dedicated hours
- Access to therapies like speech and language or occupational therapy
- Extra resources or adaptations in the setting
- Shared provision between two childcare providers (for example, a nursery and a childminder)
It’s important to remember that the level of funding should match the child’s needs, not a set budget. Some nurseries may receive early intervention funding like SENIF, but an EHCP often unlocks higher or more secure levels of support.
How to start the EHCP process.
The first step is to request an EHC needs assessment. You can do this yourself, or your childcare provider can apply with your agreement.
Here’s how to approach it:
📝 Build up your evidence
While you don’t need a diagnosis or formal reports just to request an assessment, having detailed information helps – especially if you need to appeal later. Try to collect:
- Letters or reports from professionals (GP, paediatrician, SLT, OT).
- Your own observations of your child’s needs and difficulties.
- A diary or log showing how your child manages on more challenging days.
- Reports from nursery or early years staff.
Organisations like Small Steps sometimes offer assessments that can be used both for EHCPs and DLA applications.
💬 Get therapy included
If your child would benefit from Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or other support, you’ll usually need a therapist’s report to get this written into the plan. The EHCP should say exactly how often and in what way the therapy is delivered, vague phrases like "access to therapy" aren’t enough.
If your child qualifies, this provision must be delivered, and if it isn’t, you may have grounds to ask the local authority to fund private sessions.
Working with your child’s setting
Support is most effective when everyone is on the same page. It is possible for EHCP funding to be split between settings, like a part-time nursery and a childminder who provides one-to-one care.
Make sure:
- Your nursery or childminder is involved in the application process.
- You are included in reviews of the plan.
- You keep a record of what support is being delivered day to day.
For under 5s, EHCPs are reviewed every 6 months. These reviews are a good opportunity to update the plan if your child’s needs change, or if something is not working.
Finding support through the process
Applying for an EHCP can be emotional and exhausting. There is help out there, both locally and nationally:
- SEND Advice Surrey and SENDIASS: Independent advice and support for families.
- IPSEA and SOS!SEN: Legal guidance and template letters.
- Home Start and Action for Carers: Help with paperwork and benefits.
- Skylarks: Support for families with additional needs.
You can also look at your local council’s Local Offer page, which lists support services, inclusive settings, and events in your area.
A final word
Applying for an EHCP early can help build a strong foundation for your child’s future. It’s not always a straightforward journey, and you might need to chase up responses, gather evidence, or challenge decisions. But having a clear, legally backed plan in place means your child is more likely to get the support they need – whether that’s in a quiet sensory space at nursery or through regular therapy.
If you're starting to explore the EHCP process, know that you are not alone. At Fun and Play, we’re here to help local families cut through the jargon and focus on what matters most – giving every child the chance to learn, grow, and enjoy the early years.
🧩✨