Understanding the Importance of EHCP Draft Review in Securing SEND Support

So, you’ve done it! You’ve managed to convince the local authority of your child/ward’s need for an assessment. They’ve sent someone in to the school, another person has spoken to you and now they’ve sent you a draft of what your child’s EHCP will look like. That’s not the end of the road, I’m afraid.

When the local authority issues a draft Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), parents have just 15 days to read, amend and approve it. This short window is your best, and sometimes only chance to make sure the plan is accurate, specific to your child and legally robust. A well written EHCP draft review can prevent months of appeals, tribunals and stress, ensuring your child receives the right help from day one.

What Is an EHCP Draft Review?

Under Section 38 of the Children and Families Act 2014, the local authority must share a draft EHCP before it becomes final. During this stage you can:

• Check that every need is recorded correctly

• Challenge vague wording such as “access to” or “opportunities for”

• Add missing evidence from professional reports

• Request a specific school or college placement to be named in Section I

Once the plan is finalised, any change usually requires a formal appeal, this is an extra layer of time, cost and uncertainty, I promise. That’s why the draft phase could be viewed as the most powerful and often times, cheapest point of influence in the entire EHCP process.

Common Issues in Draft EHCPs

1. Non-specific Words (“regular support” instead of “3 × 30-minute sessions per week with a qualified speech-and-language therapist”).

2. Missing or outdated evidence from medical, educational or social-care professionals.

3. Weak links between needs (Section B), provision (Section F) and outcomes (Section E).

4. Placement named for convenience, not suitability.

Left uncorrected, these issues can limit the help your child receives and make future challenges harder to win.

Why Timing Matters: Your 15-Day Window

Local authorities allow 15 calendar days, including weekends to return comments on the draft plan. It’s a tight deadline, especially if you’re working, caring for other children or waiting on professional advice. Acting quickly (and methodically) is essential.

How a Professional EHCP Draft Review Helps

You do not have to but a good independent EHCP draft review support can help make the most of this narrow window. A good service should provide:

Review Task	Why It Matters	Outcome
Line-by-Line Legal Check	Ensures compliance with the Children & Families Act and SEND Code of Practice	A plan that can withstand future scrutiny
Needs-Provision Matching	Every need in Section B must be addressed in Section F	Prevents unmet needs and vague provision
Evidence Gap Analysis	Spots missing reports, therapies or diagnoses	Strengthens the plan with robust data
Wording Improvements	Replaces weak phrases with SMART, enforceable language	Makes duties clear and deliverable
Placement Advice	Aligns the plan with the most suitable school or setting	Supports the best educational environment

You should receive a clear, well-structured letter to submit with your draft review form, giving you confidence when responding to the local authority.

Benefits for Parents and Children

• Avoid unnecessary appeals: A strong draft often removes the need for tribunal action.

• Save valuable time: Cuts months of delay caused by rewriting or disputing a flawed plan later.

• Reduce emotional and financial stress: Appeals can be draining; prevention is kinder on families.

• Secure timely support: Your child receives the right therapies, resources and placement without interruption.

  
  

Next Steps: Getting the Help You Need

• Read the draft thoroughly as soon as it arrives; mark anything unclear or missing.

• Gather current evidence (school reports, medical letters, therapy notes) to back up your comments.

• Seek independent advice: We provide a professional draft review service at Nellie Supports (you can call 0333 987 5118) or seek help from parent-carer forums, SEND charities if you’re unsure how to phrase changes.

• Submit your response within 15 days (keep a copy and proof of delivery).

  
  

A well-crafted EHCP draft review is the simplest, fastest way to set your child’s support on the right path. If you need help, call us today on 0333 987 5118 or email nellie@nelliesupports.com. With clear evidence and precise wording, you can give your child the strongest start without the lengthy battles later on