Giving children and young people a genuine voice in their EHCPs

Giving children and young people a genuine voice in their EHCPs

The most powerful Education Health and Care plans are those that put the child or young person’s voice at the centre. Yet, in practice, it’s easy for the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process to become adult-led.

The Ladder of Participation offers SEND professionals a clear framework for moving from token consultation to true EHCP co-production, where children and young people help shape their own support.

What is the ladder of participation in SEND?

Originally developed by Roger Hart, the Ladder of Participation describes different levels of involvement children and young people can have in decision-making.

In SEND and EHCP planning, it’s a tool for reflecting on how much influence the child or young person really has  and how to make that influence stronger.

The ladder typically includes:

1. Manipulation – Adults make all the decisions, presenting them as if the child contributed.
2. Decoration – Children are present but have no real say.
3. Tokenism – Their views are gathered but have little impact.
4. Assigned but informed – Children understand their role and can contribute meaningfully.
5. Consulted and informed – Their opinions are actively sought and acted upon.
6. Adult-initiated, shared decisions – Professionals lead but share decision-making.
7. Child-initiated and directed – Children lead on identifying needs and solutions.
8. Child-initiated, shared decisions – The highest rung, where children and adults work as equal partners.

Why participation matters for EHCP quality

As Freyr Bendleton (SENCO, Safeguarding Lead and Former SEND Information, Advice and Support Service Manager) highlighted in our recent Writing Impact-Driven Outcomes webinar, climbing the ladder isn’t just good practice. It’s critical for:

• Creating meaningful EHCP outcomes based on the child’s goals, hopes, and aspirations.
• Increasing engagement from the child or young person in their own plan.
• Building trust and cooperation between education, health, care professionals, and families.
• Meeting SEND Code of Practice expectations for co-production.

Practical ways to move up the ladder of participation in EHCPs

1. Introduce the EHCP early – Use child-friendly language so they understand its purpose.
2. Use accessible tools – Visual aids, easy-read formats, or digital tools make participation easier.
3. Ask open questions – Go beyond needs to explore ambitions (“What would a good day look like?”).
4. Offer safe spaces – Some children will speak more openly in informal or one-to-one settings.
5. Close the feedback loop – Show children how their input shaped their EHCP.

From voice to true co-production

Participation in SEND isn’t a “tick-box exercise” it's a way to build out high quality EHCPs that are SMART, relevant, aspirational, and achievable.

By consciously moving up the Ladder of Participation, SEND professionals can ensure every EHCP reflects not just what adults think is best, but what truly matters to the child or young person in their life.

Want to learn more?
Watch our Writing Impact-Driven Outcomes webinar and discover practical strategies to embed child voice in every stage of EHCP planning.