What are the legal requirements for IEPs for children with Autism?

PostedDecember 16, 2025

UpdatedDecember 16, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

In the UK, schools and local authorities are legally required to identify and support children with special educational needs, including autism, under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (2015, updated 2024). These frameworks ensure that every autistic child receives appropriate, coordinated support through either an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a statutory Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Understanding IEPs and EHCPs

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a non-statutory document used by schools to monitor progress for pupils receiving SEN Support. It outlines tailored classroom strategies, communication approaches, and measurable targets.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), however, is legally binding. According to the Children and Families Act 2014, local authorities must carry out an EHC needs assessment when a child’s needs cannot be met through regular SEN provision. The resulting EHCP sets out the child’s educational goals, required health or therapy input, and social care support.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Under the SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years), autism falls within the Communication and Interaction category of need. This means that autistic pupils have a clear legal basis for additional support, whether through an IEP or EHCP.

Local authorities must:

Assess a child’s needs within 20 weeks of an EHC request being accepted.

Review each EHCP annually, or sooner if needs change.

Ensure any agreed provision, including therapy or specialist teaching, is actually delivered (Section 42, Children and Families Act 2014).

Parents and young people aged 16–25 also have the right to appeal decisions to the SEND Tribunal if an assessment or plan is refused.

NICE and NHS Standards

NICE guidance NG170 recommends that autism support within education be person-centred and multidisciplinary, involving speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists.

Meanwhile, the NHS Dynamic Support Register and CETR Policy (2023) ensures that autistic children have coordinated care across health and education, with key workers in place by 2024 under the NHS Long Term Plan.

Getting Expert Help

Navigating the EHCP process can be complex. For families seeking a clearer understanding of their child’s needs, a private autism assessment can be a helpful first step. Autism Detect offers comprehensive assessments for children and adults in the UK, rated “Good” by the CQC, with expert aftercare and guidance on educational planning.

Key Takeaway

IEPs help schools provide early, flexible support, but EHCPs carry full legal weight, guaranteeing autism-specific education, health, and social care under UK law. Together, they form the foundation for every autistic child’s right to an education that meets their unique strengths and needs.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.