EHCP Physiotherapy Reports: A Parent's Guide

If your child is going through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, a physiotherapy report may be an important part of their assessment. This guide explains what an EHCP physiotherapy report includes, how to get one, and what to expect from the process.

What is an EHCP?

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0–25 who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It describes:

• The child's needs across education, health, and social care
• The outcomes they are working towards
• The support they need to achieve those outcomes

An EHCP is issued by the local authority and reviewed annually. It replaces the older Statement of Special Educational Needs.

When is a physiotherapy report needed for an EHCP?

A physiotherapy report may be requested as part of the EHCP assessment process when a child has physical needs that affect their ability to access education or daily activities. Common reasons include:

• Cerebral palsy or other neurological conditions affecting movement
• Hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome causing pain, fatigue, or movement difficulties
• Developmental delay affecting gross motor skills
• Post-surgical rehabilitation needs (e.g. after SDR)
• Musculoskeletal conditions requiring ongoing support in school
• Need for specialist equipment (seating, standing frames, specialist PE equipment)
• Moving and handling needs that school staff require training for

What does an EHCP physiotherapy report contain?

A thorough EHCP physiotherapy report from a qualified chartered physiotherapist will typically include:

Who can write an EHCP physiotherapy report?

An EHCP physiotherapy report must be written by a qualified, HCPC registered chartered physiotherapist. For children, this should ideally be a physiotherapist with paediatric experience who is familiar with the EHCP process.

Reports from private physiotherapists carry the same weight as those from NHS physiotherapists in the EHCP process. Local authorities are legally required to consider all professional evidence submitted.

NHS vs private EHCP physiotherapy reports

Many families are on long NHS waiting lists for paediatric physiotherapy assessments. A private physiotherapy report can:

• Be completed much more quickly — often within 1–2 weeks
• Be more detailed and specific to your child's individual needs
• Help avoid delays in the EHCP assessment or annual review process
• Provide independent evidence alongside or in the absence of NHS input

Local authorities are required by law to consider evidence from private professionals as well as NHS providers.

The EHCP report process with Buzzy Bees

Here's how an EHCP physiotherapy report appointment works with the Buzzy Bees team:

1. Initial enquiry: Contact us by phone or email to discuss your child's needs and the report requirements
2. Assessment appointment: A home visit (or school visit if appropriate) to carry out a full physiotherapy assessment
3. Report writing: A detailed written report is prepared within an agreed timeframe
4. Review and queries: We're happy to discuss the report and answer questions before submission
5. Attendance at meetings (optional): We can attend EHCP meetings in person or virtually if required

Pricing for EHCP physiotherapy reports

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Tips for parents going through the EHCP process

• Request all reports early: The local authority has a 20-week statutory timeframe for completing an EHCP — don't wait until you're asked for reports
• Keep a diary: Note how your child's physical needs affect their daily life, school, and activities — this supports the physiotherapist's report
• Ask for specific recommendations: The more specific the physiotherapy report is about provision needed (e.g. "2 × 30-minute sessions per week in school"), the harder it is for the LA to ignore
• Annual review preparation: If your child already has an EHCP, request an updated physiotherapy report before each annual review to demonstrate progress and continued need
• SENDIAS support: Your local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS) can provide free, impartial guidance on the EHCP process

Areas covered for EHCP reports

EHCP physiotherapy assessment and report services are available across Derbyshire and Staffordshire, with home, school, and nursery visits available:

• Derbyshire: Derby, Chesterfield, Matlock, Belper, Buxton, Ashbourne, and surrounding areas
• Staffordshire: Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Burton upon Trent, Tamworth, Lichfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and surrounding areas

Get in touch

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