What Happens at an EHCP Annual Review? Evidence, Timelines and What to Ask For
Updated: Oct 11
An annual review is more than a meeting
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) annual review is the statutory process for checking whether a child or young person’s needs, provision and outcomes still reflect real life. A meeting is only one part of the process. The written evidence, recommendations and local authority decision afterwards are just as important.
In England, an EHCP must be reviewed at least every 12 months. The local authority must communicate its decision after the review meeting within four weeks: maintain the plan, amend it, or cease to maintain it. The first review must be completed within 12 months of the plan being issued, with subsequent reviews within 12 months of the previous review.
What to prepare before the meeting
Start with the plan itself. Read it alongside the child or young person’s current day-to-day experience, rather than assuming an old description still fits. Evidence should explain the gap between what is written and what is actually happening.
The child or young person’s views, in a format that works for them: words, symbols, video, drawings, a trusted adult’s notes or another accessible method.
Progress towards outcomes, including where outcomes are no longer appropriate or where progress is being blocked by unmet need.
Current needs: education, health, social care, attendance, anxiety, communication, sensory factors, independence, safety and preparation for adulthood where relevant.
The provision actually delivered: what support occurs, how often, who provides it, whether it is specified clearly enough and what difference it makes.
Recent reports, professional advice, incident patterns, exclusions or attendance information, examples of work, transitions and family evidence.
At the meeting: move from concerns to specific amendments
A useful review does not stop at ‘more support is needed’. It identifies the need, the provision required to meet it, who will arrange it, how often it happens, how progress will be measured and what must change in the EHCP.
Check each relevant section. In particular, Sections B and F should connect: the special educational needs must be matched by special educational provision that is detailed, specific and normally quantified. Section E outcomes should be meaningful and reviewed against current evidence. Where health or social care needs and provision are relevant, do not leave them out merely because the meeting is school-based.
After the meeting: record dates and decisions
Keep a simple dated record: when the meeting took place, what evidence was submitted, the recommendations, when the setting sent its report, when the local authority made its decision and what was enclosed. If the authority decides to amend the plan, check the proposed amendment carefully and respond within the stated time. Decision letters should explain relevant mediation, disagreement-resolution and appeal information.
If the plan is not reflecting current need, an earlier review can be requested; a review may also identify that a statutory reassessment is needed. This article provides practical information, not legal representation or individual legal advice.
If the council decides to amend the plan
If the local authority proposes changes, it must send the existing plan with an amendment notice setting out the proposed changes and supporting evidence. Parents or the young person must have at least 15 calendar days to respond and can request a particular eligible school or institution. If the authority proceeds, it must issue the final amended plan as soon as possible and within eight weeks of the original amendment notice; if it decides not to make the proposed changes after considering representations, it must explain that decision within the same period. The final amended plan should explain the relevant appeal rights. See the SEND Code of Practice, paragraphs 9.194–9.198.
Keep the notice date, your response deadline and the final-plan date in one record. If your child is in alternative provision or their Section F support is not being delivered, those focused guides explain what to check and ask. For help organising your evidence, book one hour of EHCP and SEND support for £35, including preparation of agreed documents.
A personal, practical point
As a parent as well as someone with more than 15 years’ experience across care and youth support, I know that families can be asked for ‘evidence’ repeatedly while managing school, appointments, stress and daily life. The most useful file is not the biggest one: it is a clear, dated account that shows the child’s voice, what is happening now, what has been tried and what provision is needed next.
Complete this with the linked product and training
A practical document pack for collating the child’s views, evidence, provision, actions and follow-up dates.
A structured online training programme to help parents, carers and professionals prepare for meetings and turn concerns into usable evidence.
Official information and next steps
Need a chat or more information? Use the free consultation to discuss whether our practical paperwork support is a good fit. For independent local information, contact your local authority’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
Put this into practice: explore the relevant collection below and check each listing for its audience, contents, format and current price.
Useful resources for this topic
If you would like a practical record to use alongside this article, the resources below explain their scope, format and price. Choose only the material that fits your circumstances; a completed template is a starting point for action and review.
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