Why Section F matters most
Section F of the EHCP specifies the special educational provision your child must receive. This is the only section that is directly legally enforceable - meaning the local authority MUST deliver or fund every single item specified in Section F. If the provision isn't delivered, you can take legal action. That's why it's critical to get Section F right.
Specific, quantified, measurable
The golden rule for Section F is: every piece of provision must be specific, quantified, and measurable. "Speech therapy" is not good enough. "Weekly individual speech and language therapy sessions of 45 minutes, delivered by a qualified speech and language therapist, targeting expressive language goals" IS good enough. The more specific you are, the harder it is for the LA to wriggle out of delivering it.
What should be in Section F
Section F should include: type and frequency of specialist teaching (e.g., daily phonics intervention using a specific programme), therapies (SALT, OT, physio) with frequency and duration, teaching assistant support (hours per week and what they'll do), specialist equipment and resources, staff training needed, environmental adaptations, and any other provision needed to meet the needs in Section B.
The Section B - Section F link
Every need identified in Section B must have corresponding provision in Section F. If Section B says your child has "difficulties with social interaction," Section F must specify what the LA will do about it (e.g., "weekly social skills group facilitated by a trained teaching assistant"). If there's a need without provision, the EHCP is legally flawed and you can challenge it.
Challenging a weak Section F
If the LA's proposed Section F is vague, unquantified, or insufficient, you must challenge it. Write to the LA during the draft EHCP consultation period (you have at least 15 days) and request specific amendments. If they refuse, appeal to the SEND Tribunal. The Tribunal regularly orders LAs to amend Section F to be more specific and more generous. EHCP Expert can help you draft a powerful challenge.