EXISTING EHCPs & ANNUAL REVIEWS
Your child has an EHCP. But is it meeting their needs?
Having an EHCP in place is an important step, but it doesn't always mean your child is receiving the support they need.
Perhaps their needs have changed, their plan no longer reflects their circumstances, or the provision written into it isn't being delivered consistently.
You may be approaching an Annual Review and feel unsure what information to provide, what changes to request or how to communicate your concerns.
An EHCP should remain relevant to your child and clearly reflect the support they require — not simply be a document that gets reviewed once a year.
WHEN SHOULD AN EHCP BE REVIEWED?
EHCPs must be reviewed at least annually, with more frequent reviews required for children under five where appropriate.
An Annual Review considers your child's progress, current needs, outcomes and whether the existing provision remains appropriate.
Following the review meeting, the Local Authority must notify you within four weeks whether it intends to maintain, amend or cease the plan.
If your child's needs have changed significantly, you can also request an earlier review rather than waiting for the next scheduled date.
WHAT IF THE SUPPORT IN MY CHILD'S EHCP ISN'T BEING DELIVERED?
The Local Authority has a legal duty to secure the special educational provision specified in Section F of your child's EHCP.
If your child isn't receiving that provision, it's important to identify what is missing, document your concerns and raise them with the school and Local Authority.
You shouldn't have to wait until the next Annual Review to raise concerns about provision that isn't being delivered.
PERSONALISED EHCP & ANNUAL REVIEW SUPPORT
Let's make sure your child's plan continues to reflect their needs.
I can help you understand your child's existing EHCP, review the information available and prepare for discussions about their support.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
Reviewing your child's current EHCP and supporting reports.
Identifying needs or provision that may require updating.
Helping you prepare your parental contribution for an Annual Review.
Reviewing progress, outcomes and evidence of unmet needs.
Identifying discrepancies between the plan and the support being delivered.
Preparing questions and requested amendments.
Supporting communication with school and relevant professionals.
Attending school or review meetings as part of an agreed package.
Practical, personalised support to help you communicate your concerns and identify the next steps for your child.
A FINAL WORD FROM MELISSA
Your child's needs won't necessarily stay the same as they grow, develop and move through education.
Their EHCP should reflect those changes.
Whether you're preparing for an Annual Review, concerned about missing provision or unsure how to communicate changing needs, you don't have to navigate the process alone.
The goal isn't simply to have an EHCP in place. It's to make sure the plan continues to reflect your child and the support they need to access education successfully.
Melissa Sladen
Founder, Sladen Advisory
Sladen Advisory provides independent educational and SEND guidance, not legal representation. Where specialist legal advice or tribunal representation is required, families may be signposted to appropriate services.