EHCP support for parents

Yes. Our professional Draft EHCP Review is a detailed, line-by-line assessment—not a quick glance, a copy-and-paste exercise or an AI-generated summary. We carefully cross-reference the draft against your child’s professional reports, identify wording that is vague, incomplete or legally weak, and highlight where their needs or required provision have not been properly reflected. Families are usually given at least 15 days to respond to a draft EHCP, so it is important to act promptly. We regularly work within tight statutory timescales, so please do not be discouraged from contacting us if your deadline is approaching or you have left it until the last minute.

You do not need a solicitor to seek support with an EHCP. Many parents manage the process themselves or with the help of an independent SEND advocate who understands the legal and practical framework. Some families may also be eligible for legal aid, depending on their circumstances.

Our SEND advocates bring extensive experience across education, health and SEND law. Importantly, they are also SEND parents themselves or have first-hand experience of navigating the EHCP, Tribunal and, where necessary, judicial review processes.

As independent SEND advocates, we take a tailored approach to every case, recognising that no two children or situations are the same. Where a matter raises particularly complex legal issues, we may recommend that specialist legal advice is obtained. We also have an established professional relationship with an experienced education lawyer who may be consulted where appropriate and subject to separate arrangements.

The statutory process should usually be completed within 20 weeks of the Local Authority receiving the request for an EHC needs assessment, although limited exceptions can apply.

Delays are common. If your Local Authority has missed the deadline, we can explain your options and, where appropriate, support you with a Pre-Action Protocol letter challenging the delay.

A refusal to carry out an EHC needs assessment can be challenged through mediation or an appeal to the SEND Tribunal where the evidence suggests that your child may require an assessment.

The Local Authority must apply the correct legal test when making its decision. Where that test has not been applied properly, or the available evidence supports the need for an assessment, the decision may be overturned.

We can review the refusal decision and your supporting evidence, advise on the most appropriate route, and support you through mediation or the Tribunal process. We can also identify gaps in the evidence and advise what further information may help strengthen your case.

Following an annual review, the Local Authority must notify you within four weeks whether it has decided to maintain the EHCP without changes, amend it or cease to maintain it. If you have not received a formal decision, you can follow up and request one in writing.

If the Local Authority decides to maintain the EHCP without amendment and you believe it no longer accurately reflects your child’s needs or provision, that decision will give you a right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

If the Local Authority decides to amend the EHCP, it must send you an amendment notice setting out its proposed changes and give you an opportunity to make representations. Once the final amended EHCP is issued, you will have a right of appeal if your requested changes have not been included or you disagree with the contents of the amended plan.

We can review the annual review paperwork, the Local Authority’s decision and the available evidence, and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.