Parents’ experiences of participating in the EHCP process, and their underlying discourses
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A longitudinal ethnographic exploration into the experience of the Education, Health and Care process from the perspective of parents of children with communication difficulties (including children's voices, where possible).
IRAS ID
215153
Contact name
Joanne Sandiford
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Beckett University
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background
The Children and Families Act (2014) introduced a joined up statutory assessment and planning process: a single Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which aims to describe the support required for children with complex health, educational and care needs.Rationale
There has been some research evaluating patient experience and satisfaction with the organisational aspects and impacts of the EHCP process but there are no qualitative accounts which observe the process families go through, tell their stories, and in particular, explore how the child’s 'voice' is represented. This is especially important for children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).Aims
The aim of the study is to provide some qualitative evidence to guide recommendations for service providers and policy makers, to inform future service delivery and to demonstrate how the child’s voice can be best captured in the process.The following research questions will be addressed:
1. What is the experience of the EHCP process from the parent's perspective?
2. How is the child's voice accessed and represented in this process?Methodology
This study will employ a qualitative design using an ethnographic approach to observe and explore the experiences of families.A series of observations and semi-structured interviews will be conducted with families to gain insight into the lived experience of gaining an EHCP.
This study forms part of a PhD research project and is funded by Leeds Beckett University with approval from Leeds City Council, Special Educational Needs Statutory Assessment and Provision (SENSAP) team.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0477
Date of REC Opinion
16 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion