The SEND system in England is under increasing pressure. Among the numerous challenges are the high staff turnover rates within Local Authority (LA) SEND teams and a growing expertise gap in the workforce, both of which pose serious threats to the quality and consistency of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). In this post, we look at how Enhance EHC’s online EHCP training is designed specifically to address these two systemic issues.

1. Stabilising a shifting workforce: Tackling staff shortages and turnover

One of the barriers to delivering an effective EHCP service is the high turnover rate seen in many Local Authority SEND teams. Frequent changes in staffing make it difficult to maintain continuity, build knowledge and embed a stable culture. This instability can lead to inconsistencies in EHCP quality, delays in statutory timescales, and confusion among families and practitioners alike.

Our EHCP training offers a sustainable solution. By providing flexible online learning and a variety of course and package options, every new team member can quickly become proficient in their role and existing staff can refresh their skills or plug specific knowledge gaps.

Offering consistent training standardises knowledge and best practice across teams, which is critical for sustaining a high-performing workforce, even as staffing changes occur. In addition, the online format makes it easy to fit training into or around the workday, rather than being dependent on attending set sessions.

2. Closing the expertise gap: Mitigating the risks of over-reliance on technology

As the sector looks towards bringing in new technology such as AI and automation to streamline aspects of EHCP development, a new challenge is emerging: the growing expertise gap. Technology can support administrative tasks and data analysis, but it cannot replace the nuanced, human judgement required to write high-quality, person-centred EHCPs. As reliance on technology increases, there is a risk that frontline professionals, particularly new or non-specialist staff, will lack the core skills and contextual understanding to either oversee and interpret AI outputs effectively, or to carry out EHCP development tasks themselves.

Our training proactively addresses this concern by building deep expertise in EHCP principles and best practice. In addition to learning about statutory requirements and processes, learners develop skills in critical thinking, decision-making and professional writing, as well as the confidence to challenge when plans fall short of statutory or quality standards. This is essential in any AI-supported environment, where professionals must remain accountable and ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the quality of EHCPs.

Furthermore, our training can help future-proof the EHCP workforce, by upskilling practitioners across education, SEND and health services and increasing the pool of knowledgeable frontline workers. The SEND system depends on its people, which makes investment in retaining EHCP expertise crucial.

Want to learn more?

Explore our most popular LA SEND team training options here, or download an information pack to find out about all of our available EHCP training courses.