Outcomes
“WHAT ARE OUTCOMES?”
For the purposes of EHC plans, outcomes are the long and short term targets that a child or young person should be working towards as part of their EHC plan. They will vary from person to person and must reflect what is important to a child or young person and what others believe is in the best interests of that child or young person. An outcome could be, for example, that an individual in secondary education achieve the desired grades to allow them to enter a further education college.
“WHAT IS SMART?”
SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. All outcomes should be SMART.
“HOW DO OUTCOMES RELATE TO EHC PLANS?”
Outcomes will be specified in section E of an EHC plan. They are important because they provide a focus for children or young people and those working alongside them. They enable progress to be measured more easily and if, for example, a child is not meeting a particular target, then additional support can be provided in that area. A Local Authority ('LA') may cease to maintain an EHC plan for someone over 18 if they determine that their education and training outcomes have been met and that they no longer require special educational provision.
“WHO DECIDES THE OUTCOMES FOR A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON?”
Ultimately, it is the LA that chooses the outcomes that are specified in an EHC plan. However, the LA has a duty to consult with young people, children and their parents throughout the assessment process and production of the EHC plan. Specifically, LAs must listen to the views of children and young people regarding their views on what their own outcomes should be.
“ARE OUTCOMES FIXED THROUGHOUT A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON'S EDUCATION?”
Whilst some outcomes will be long-term goals, others will be developed year on year in accordance with the stage individuals are at in their development. For example, from Year 9 onwards the nature of outcomes must change to reflect that young people are preparing for adulthood.
For the purposes of EHC plans, outcomes are the long and short term targets that a child or young person should be working towards as part of their EHC plan. They will vary from person to person and must reflect what is important to a child or young person and what others believe is in the best interests of that child or young person. An outcome could be, for example, that an individual in secondary education achieve the desired grades to allow them to enter a further education college.
“WHAT IS SMART?”
SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. All outcomes should be SMART.
“HOW DO OUTCOMES RELATE TO EHC PLANS?”
Outcomes will be specified in section E of an EHC plan. They are important because they provide a focus for children or young people and those working alongside them. They enable progress to be measured more easily and if, for example, a child is not meeting a particular target, then additional support can be provided in that area. A Local Authority ('LA') may cease to maintain an EHC plan for someone over 18 if they determine that their education and training outcomes have been met and that they no longer require special educational provision.
“WHO DECIDES THE OUTCOMES FOR A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON?”
Ultimately, it is the LA that chooses the outcomes that are specified in an EHC plan. However, the LA has a duty to consult with young people, children and their parents throughout the assessment process and production of the EHC plan. Specifically, LAs must listen to the views of children and young people regarding their views on what their own outcomes should be.
“ARE OUTCOMES FIXED THROUGHOUT A CHILD OR YOUNG PERSON'S EDUCATION?”
Whilst some outcomes will be long-term goals, others will be developed year on year in accordance with the stage individuals are at in their development. For example, from Year 9 onwards the nature of outcomes must change to reflect that young people are preparing for adulthood.
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This information is meant to be helpful but Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be responsible for any loss caused by reliance upon it. If you have concerns about your child, please seek professional educational/healthcare advice. Should you find anything which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.
