📢 Blog Post: “School Says They Can’t Afford EHCP Support – What Now?”
If your child has an EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan), their school has a legal duty to provide the support outlined in the plan. But what happens when the school says they can’t afford a TA, therapy, or specialist help anymore?
This is becoming a huge issue across the UK as schools face budget cuts, but parents don’t have to accept this without a fight. Here’s what you need to know:
📌 1. Schools Are Legally Required to Follow the EHCP
- Schools must provide what’s in the EHCP – even if they say they can’t afford it.
- Funding is the school or local authority’s problem, not yours – they must find the money.
🔹 What to do:
✅ Remind the school that they have a legal duty to meet the provision in the EHCP.
✅ Ask for a written explanation of why they are withdrawing support.
📌 2. Push for the Local Authority to Step In
The local authority is responsible for funding EHCP provision when schools say they don’t have the budget.
🔹 What to do:
✅ Email your local SEND team – request a formal review of your child’s provision.
✅ Ask for top-up (Element 3) funding – this is extra money from the local authority.
📌 3. Use the Law to Challenge Cuts
If the school still refuses, you can:
✔ Request an emergency EHCP review (within 4 weeks).
✔ Contact SENDIASS – they offer free legal support for parents.
✔ Raise a complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman.
🚨 If your child’s needs aren’t being met, you may even be able to legally challenge the school or local authority.
📌 4. Get Help From AskEllie
Struggling to write emails or challenge the school? AskEllie can:
✅ Draft legal emails to the school or council.
✅ Tell you your rights in seconds.
✅ Give step-by-step guidance on what to do next.
🟢 Get instant EHCP help at: www.AskEllie.co.uk
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✔ Solves an urgent problem many parents face.
✔ SEO-friendly keywords: “EHCP funding cut”, “school says they can’t afford TA”, “EHCP legal duty”.
✔ Actionable solutions – Parents want steps they can take NOW.
Would you like any tweaks before I finalize it? 🚀
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