What is Section F of an EHCP?

Section F specifies the special educational provision that must be made to meet the needs described in Section B. Children and Families Act 2014, section 37(2) requires the plan to specify that provision. The SEND Code of Practice 2015 Section F contents table says it must be detailed and specific and should normally be quantified — for example type, hours, frequency of support, and level of expertise — rather than vague phrases like 'as required'.

Can I appeal Section F even if I agree with Section B?

Yes. Section F is separately appealable. You might agree that your child's needs are correctly described but argue that the provision specified is not sufficient to meet those needs.

What if the school can't deliver what Section F specifies?

If Section F specifies provision that the named school cannot deliver, this is relevant to both the provision and placement appeal. However, in an appeal it is up to the local authority to show how provision will be made — your role is to argue for the correct provision.

Appealing Section F of an EHCP (Educational Provision)

Section F EHCP appeal — get your Tribunal pack ready

Section F must specify exactly what provision will be made for your child. If it is vague, insufficient, or ignores professional recommendations, you can appeal. Send what you have. A case professional prepares the SEND35A grounds and proposed Section F wording. You review it. You send it.

What Section F must be

The Code’s Section F table says provision must be detailed and specific and should normally be quantified. In practice this means:

Stating the type of support — e.g. 1:1 teaching assistant, specialist speech and language therapy
Stating the frequency — e.g. 2 hours per week of SALT, 20 hours per week of 1:1 support
Stating who will deliver it — e.g. a qualified speech and language therapist (not 'appropriate professional')
Linking directly to needs in Section B — every need should have corresponding provision

Common problems with Section F

Vague language like 'some support', 'as required', or 'regular input'
Provision not quantified — no hours or frequency specified
Professional recommendations ignored or replaced with lesser provision
Needs in Section B with no corresponding provision in Section F
Provision described that the school already provides without an EHCP

What your pack can include

Analysis comparing professional recommendations with what Section F actually says
Draft proposed Section F wording with specific, quantified provision
Evidence points from reports supporting your preferred provision
Issue map identifying gaps between needs (B) and provision (F)
SEND35A grounds of appeal wording

Frequently asked questions

What is Section F of an EHCP?: Section F specifies the special educational provision that must be made to meet the needs described in Section B. Children and Families Act 2014, section 37(2) requires the plan to specify that provision. The SEND Code of Practice 2015 Section F contents table says it must be detailed and specific and should normally be quantified — for example type, hours, frequency of support, and level of expertise — rather than vague phrases like 'as required'.
What is the legal standard for Section F?: Section 37(2) requires the plan to specify the special educational provision required. The Code’s Section F contents table says provision must be detailed and specific and should normally be quantified (type, hours, frequency, and level of expertise). Language such as 'regular input' or 'support as needed' is not detailed and specific.
Can I appeal Section F even if I agree with Section B?: Yes. Section F is separately appealable. You might agree that your child's needs are correctly described but argue that the provision specified is not sufficient to meet those needs.
What if the school can't deliver what Section F specifies?: If Section F specifies provision that the named school cannot deliver, this is relevant to both the provision and placement appeal. However, in an appeal it is up to the local authority to show how provision will be made — your role is to argue for the correct provision.