How to write outcomes for EHC plans

Find out what you need to consider when developing outcomes for education, health and care (EHC) plans, and have a look at some examples.

Last reviewed on 6 January 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 11148
Contents
  1. All EHC plans must specify the intended outcomes
  2. Purpose of an 'outcome'
  3. What you need to do

All EHC plans must specify the intended outcomes

This is a requirement and the outcomes are recorded in section E of the plan. 

The Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice also outlines steps you 'should' take when writing pupil outcomes. In the Code of Practice, 'should' means that you must consider the advice, unless you have good reason not to. 

This is explained in paragraphs i and 9.64 of the Code of Practice. 

Purpose of an 'outcome'

The Code of Practice defines an outcome as "the benefit or difference made to an individual as a result of an intervention".

Achieving outcomes will enable pupils to: 

Think of the outcomes as the thread that weaves the whole plan together – they're the steps to achieve the pupil's aspirations, and you need to make sure they