Can Equine-Based Provision Be Written Into an EHCP?

If your child has an EHCP and you think they would benefit from equine-based or outdoor provision, the important question isn't really whether you can get “equine therapy” written into their EHCP.

The question is what does your child need, and what provision is needed to meet those needs?

That is what Section F is about.

What is Section F of the EHCP?

Section F of an EHCP sets out the special educational provision a child or young person needs because of their SEND.

This is the section where provision should actually be specified. It shouldn't just say things like “access to support” or “opportunities for outdoor learning” if your child needs something much more specific.

If they need 1:1 provision, how often?

What is that provision supposed to support?

Who should deliver it?

What needs to happen during that time?

The clearer and more specific the provision is, the clearer it is what should actually be provided.

Can that include equine-based provision?

Potentially, yes.

But simply saying that your child loves horses isn't enough.

We need to look at why this type of provision works for them.

A child may struggle with communication, emotional regulation, engagement with education, relationships, self-esteem or accessing a classroom environment.

Put them outside and give them something meaningful to do and we can sometimes see a completely different level of engagement.

That might be working with a pony. It might be learning in the woodland. It might be completing a practical task while talking rather than being expected to sit across a table from somebody and answer questions.

That is the bit that needs to be evidenced.

Start with your child's needs

Look at what their EHCP already says.

What needs are identified?

What provision is already in Section F?

What isn't working?

What support has been tried?

Then look at what happens when your child accesses a different environment.

If they are already attending an outdoor, equine or alternative provision, ask the provider for evidence.

At The Wild Mane Project, our commissioned work can include observations, outcome measures and reporting. That gives us evidence of how a participant engages, what they are working towards and what we are actually seeing during sessions.

It isn't just a case of saying, “They enjoyed spending time with a pony.”

We need to be able to show what the provision is doing.

What could provision at The Wild Mane Project include?

Our 1:1 provision can bring together equine-assisted learning, nature, wilderness activities and therapeutic approaches.

It is built around the participant rather than following the same programme for everybody.

One participant might do a lot of their work with the ponies. Another might engage much better in the woodland. Another might need a mixture of practical learning, movement, equine work and time to talk.

We work with where that participant is and what they need.

If you are asking for this type of provision to be included within an EHCP, don't start with the horse.

Start with the child's needs.

Then show why this provision meets them.