What Section F must be
Section F is legally required to be specific, detailed, and 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. By law, it must be specific, detailed, and quantified — for example, it should state how many hours of support, what type of support, and by whom, rather than vague phrases like 'as required'.
- What is the legal standard for Section F?
- Section F must be specific, detailed, and quantified. The SEN Code of Practice says it should describe the type of support, the frequency, the duration, and the person or role responsible. A section F that uses language like 'regular input' or 'support as needed' is likely to be legally inadequate.
- 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.