Chapter 4: Gathering Evidence – What Should I Include?
When you begin gathering evidence for an EHCP, it can be tempting to include every document you have ever received. But a large collection of paperwork is not necessarily the same as clear evidence.
Gathering Evidence – What Should I Include? helps you think about what different pieces of evidence show, where information may be missing and how to build a clearer picture of the child or young person’s needs.
The chapter looks beyond professional reports alone. Evidence can come from education, health and social care professionals, but useful information may also be found in school records, support plans, communication, attendance patterns and observations from everyday life.
The aim is to help you show the pattern behind the paperwork.
It includes:
- An explanation of what can count as useful evidence
- Guidance on identifying patterns across different sources
- Help deciding what information is most relevant
- Practical ways to organise evidence
- Guidance on recording everyday observations
- An evidence-list planning page
- A final evidence check
- Harvard-referenced information and further support
This resource relates specifically to the SEND and EHCP system in England and provides general information rather than individual legal advice.
Helpful if you have accumulated lots of information but need support turning it into a clearer picture of your child or young person’s needs and provision.
Space to Breathe Therapy / Support - Understand - Empower
