EHCPs: A help or a hinderance to the inclusion of young people who have offended? An exploration of EP’s perceptions of the facilitating factors and barriers of EHCPs and the SEN processes involved in Youth Justice

Abstract

Rationale:The rationale for this small-scale research project arose from discussions at a national youth offending special interest group for educational psychologists (EPs). The Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) was introduced following revisions to the SEND Code of Practice based on the Children and Families Act (2014) to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The EPs in the special interest group outlined mixed views in relation to the usefulness of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) when issued to young people who have offended (YPwO) and whether they promote educational inclusion, or in fact play a role in the exclusion of these young people from educational settings. To the authors knowledge, there is currently no published academic research which examines the educational inclusion of YPwO and the role of an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in relation to this. The present research explored EP’s perceptions of the EHCP for YPwO. The main interest of the research was to explore what EPs viewed as being the facilitating and hindering factors of an EHCP in providing educational provision and inclusion for YPwO. The study also explored what role EPs can play in promoting the inclusion of YPwO.Method:This research presents the views of seven EPs who took part in semi-structured interviews to explore their views. Participants volunteered to take part in this research based on their experiences of working with YPwO and have experienced the EHCP assessment process.Findings:The following factors were considered to facilitate educational inclusion:The EHCP being used to reintegrate YPwO back into educationRaising the profile of YPwO so SEND needs can be identified and addressedMulti-agency working between EPs, the family, the young person, school, and other professionals.The following factors were considered to lead to educational exclusion:The EHCP not conceptualising the needs of the young person effectively.A lack of continuity and inclusion in provision available for YPwO which has been stated in the EHCP.Failures in the review process of the EHCP.A lack of early identification and limited awareness of SEND and the EP role amongst professionals working with YPwO.Implications:The research has highlighted several implications for EP practice including a focus on more comprehensive resettlement planning, the need for greater awareness of SEN in the youth justice system, multiagency working, and inclusive and consistent provision available for YPwO.