Guidance notes for Our Story –Parent/Carers Views
EDUCATION, HEALTH and CARE (EHC) Planning
Our Story
This form is the place for parents and carers to explain the family ‘story’ which includes
background information as well as abilities and needs. As appropriate, the child or young person’s
views will be gathered separately. It is important that parent/carer views are heard and
understood. Please refer to the guidance notes below when completing each section of the form.
The form should highlight relationships, describe the young person’s strengths and needs, what is
working well and what is not working well, what is important to them and for them and
parent/carers hopes for the future. A one page portrait of the child or young person will be the
starting point for any plan.
SECTION A
Child or Young Please provide current details for your child.
Person’s
You should write here the name of the nursery/school/college that your child
details:
attends at present if applicable.
Name
You can find out your child’s NHS number from the family Health Visitor or
Address
GP.
Date of Birth
Early Years
setting/school/
college
attended:
Please list all of the previous settings, schools or colleges which your child
has attended if applicable.
My child’s
history:
In this section, it would be helpful to describe your child’s family background.
You may wish to include information about the following:
SECTION B

Pregnancy/birth history and any complications.

Family situation – Who does your child live with now? Has your child
lived with anybody else previously? Does your child have siblings
in/outside of the home? Is your child adopted or are fostering him or
her? Are there any other significant family members or friends?

Relevant experiences which may be useful for professionals to be
aware of – e.g. bereavement, trauma etc

Your child’s previous strengths and achievements
General Health
Does your child have a medical diagnosis or condition?
Does your child take any regular medication?
Has your child had any hospital appointments in the last year?
Has your child been assessed or received interventions from any health
professional in the last year? (for example: Speech and Language Therapist,
Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Community Paediatrician, CAMHS)
Physical Skills
Does your child have any difficulties with movement? (e.g. walking, balance,
coordination)
Does your child have a visual/hearing/sensory impairment?
Does your child use any aids to help with physical skills eg. splints, walking
frame, wheelchair, cochlear implant, guide dog, long cane etc
Is the family home specially adapted to help support your child’s physical
needs?
Self-Help
Can your child eat, wash or dress themselves independently?
Does your child need help with personal care and/or toileting?
Communication
How does your child communicate their wants and needs? (eg using words,
sounds, sign language, Makaton, gestures, eye pointing, PECS, assistive
technology)
Play/Learning/
Hobbies/Interest
s at home
What does your child like to play with or do at home?
Activities/
Does your child attend any clubs/groups and is support required for this to
Leisure outside happen?
of the home
Relationships
Does your child find it easy to develop friendships/relationships with others?
Are there other family members your child sees regularly?
Behaviour
How would you describe your child’s behaviour overall?
If there are difficulties with behaviour, have you noticed any triggers?
Is there anything the child responds to when encouraging positive behaviour?
Is there anything the child dislikes when responding to inappropriate
behaviour?
Learning
Describe any concerns about your child’s learning or development.
General Views
Use this section to describe anything about your child and their needs which
has not already been mentioned elsewhere on the form.
Next Year
Consider what you would like your child to achieve in the next twelve months
and what you think might help with this.
Long Term
Consider what you would like your child to achieve in the next few years eg.
by the time they leave nursery/primary school/secondary school, college.
Key people
involved with
my child.
Please list all key people involved with your child. This includes family
members/friends as well as professionals.
If you require support with completing
senteamwest@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
the
form,
please
contact
the
SEN
team
at