EHCP Annual Review Process
How Education, Health and Care Plans Are Reviewed and Amended
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is not intended to remain static. Children and young people’s needs change over time, and the provision required to support them may also evolve.
For this reason, every EHCP must be reviewed regularly through a process known as the annual review.
The annual review allows professionals, families and the child or young person to consider whether the plan remains appropriate and whether any amendments are required.
The review process is governed by the Children and Families Act 2014, the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
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How Often EHCP Reviews Must Take Place
EHCPs must normally be reviewed at least once every 12 months.
For children under the age of five, reviews should take place every six months, because needs can change more rapidly during early development.
In addition to these scheduled reviews, an early review may sometimes be arranged where there has been a significant change in the child or young person’s needs or circumstances.
Examples might include:
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a substantial change in health or development
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difficulties emerging in the current educational placement
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major changes in provision requirements.
The Purpose of the Annual Review
The annual review is designed to ensure that the EHCP continues to:
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accurately describe the child’s special educational needs
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provide appropriate provision to meet those needs
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support progress towards the outcomes identified in the plan
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reflect the child or young person’s current educational placement.
The review also considers whether the plan continues to be necessary or whether it should be amended or, in rare cases, ceased.
Preparing for the Annual Review
The educational setting responsible for delivering the EHCP - usually the school or college - normally organises the annual review meeting.
Preparation usually involves gathering updated information about the child or young person’s progress.
This may include:
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school reports and progress data
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updated professional reports
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feedback from therapists or other specialists
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the views of the child or young person
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the views of parents or carers.
These documents are typically circulated before the meeting so that everyone involved can consider the evidence in advance.
The Annual Review Meeting
The annual review meeting brings together the key people involved in supporting the child or young person.
Participants may include:
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parents or carers
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the child or young person (where appropriate)
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school staff
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local authority representatives
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health professionals
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therapists or other specialists involved in support.
During the meeting, the group considers:
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the child or young person’s progress since the last review
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whether the outcomes in the EHCP remain appropriate
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whether the provision in the plan is sufficient
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whether any amendments to the EHCP are required.
The meeting provides an opportunity for families and professionals to discuss how well the current support is working and whether adjustments are needed.
What Happens After the Annual Review
Following the meeting, the school or educational setting usually prepares a written report summarising the discussion and recommendations.
This report is then sent to the local authority, which is responsible for deciding what happens next.
The local authority must consider the review information and decide whether to:
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maintain the EHCP without changes
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cease the EHCP.
The authority should normally inform parents or the young person of its decision within four weeks of the annual review meeting.
Amending an EHCP After Review
If the local authority decides that the plan should be amended, it will issue a notice of amendment.
This notice explains the proposed changes and provides an opportunity for parents or the young person to comment.
Families usually have 15 days to respond to the proposed amendments.
After considering any representations received, the local authority will issue an amended final EHCP.
Appealing Annual Review Decisions
If parents or young people disagree with the outcome of an annual review, they may have the right to challenge the decision.
Appeal rights may arise where the local authority:
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refuses to amend the EHCP
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amends the plan in a way that is disputed
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decides to cease the EHCP entirely.
In many cases, disputes focus on:
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the description of needs in Section B
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the provision specified in Section F
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the educational placement named in Section I.
These matters can be challenged through the SEND Tribunal if agreement cannot be reached through discussion or mediation, In many cases, parents must first obtain a mediation certificate before lodging an appeal.
Why Annual Reviews Matter
Annual reviews are more than a procedural requirement.
They are a critical opportunity to ensure that the EHCP continues to meet the child or young person’s needs and that the provision specified in the plan remains effective.
Where needs change or provision is no longer adequate, the review process allows the plan to be updated so that support remains appropriate.
Understanding how the review process works can help families participate confidently and ensure that the EHCP continues to reflect the child’s evolving needs.
Understanding the Wider EHCP Process
Annual reviews are one stage in the broader EHCP framework.
You may also find it helpful to read:
These guides explain how EHCPs are created, structured and challenged where disagreements arise.
Begin With a Strategic Case Review
If you are within a draft EHCP window or appeal deadline, the most effective place to begin is with a Strategic Case Review.
This allows us to assess your position and advise the most appropriate structured pathway for your case.
Talk to us today
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