What Is an Individual Education Plan and How Is It Different from an EHCP?

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What Is an Individual Education Plan and How Is It Different from an EHCP?

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Parents sometimes contact us asking about the difference between an Individual Education Plan, often referred to as an IEP, and an Education, Health and Care Plan. The two documents can sound similar, but they are very different in legal terms.

In a recent video on our Education Law TikTok channel, Beverley Watkins, Managing Partner at Watkins Solicitors, explains why this distinction matters.

What is an Individual Education Plan?

An Individual Education Plan is a document that schools sometimes draft to set out additional support or targets for a child. It can outline strategies, interventions or short term goals.

However, an IEP is not a legally enforceable document. It does not place a legal duty on the local authority to secure specific provision.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legally enforceable document issued by the local authority. It sets out a child or young person’s special educational needs and the specific provision that must be delivered to meet those needs.

The provision written in Section F of an EHCP must be secured by the local authority. If it is not delivered, parents have legal remedies available to them.

Why the difference matters

Because an IEP is not legally enforceable, it does not offer the same level of protection as an EHCP.

If a child has significant special educational needs and requires clearly specified, enforceable support, an EHCP is usually the more appropriate route. It ensures that the provision set out in the plan must be delivered.

Watch the video and get support

The full video, featuring Beverley Watkins answering this parent question, is available on our Education Law TikTok channel.

If you are unsure whether your child should have an EHCP rather than an IEP, or you are concerned that support is not being delivered, our specialist Education Law team is here to help.

You can contact us by emailing education@watkinssolicitors.co.uk or calling 0117 939 0350 to discuss your situation and next steps.