The EHCP Annual Review
An annual review is a meeting to check whether your child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is still meeting their needs. It must take place at least once every 12 months.
The review helps make sure the EHCP remains accurate, relevant and up to date.
What an annual review covers
The annual review looks at:
- the progress your child has made
- the outcomes in the EHCP
- the support currently in place
- what is working well
- whether any changes are needed to the plan
Possible outcomes
Following the review, the council will consider whether to:
- keep the EHCP unchanged
- amend the EHCP
- the EHCP if it is no longer needed
- carry out a new Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment if your child's needs have changed significantly
Who attends the annual review
The meeting should include:
- you and your child or young person
- staff from the school, college or education setting
- health and social care professionals involved with your child
- a local authority representative
- a careers adviser for young people in Year 9 and above
- anyone else you or your child would like to attend
Your views and your child's views should be at the centre of the annual review process.
The Council for Disabled Children have produced a video for parents on the Annual Review process:
Who organises the meeting
The school, college or education setting usually arranges the annual review meeting.
If a child or young person does not attend an education setting, the local authority will arrange the meeting.
The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) will usually:
- arrange the meeting
- invite attendees
- gather updated information
- chair the meeting
Information from parents, carers and professionals should be shared at least 2 weeks before the meeting.
When annual reviews take place
The first annual review must take place within 12 months of the EHCP being finalised. Future reviews must take place within 12 months of the previous review.
For children under 5, reviews may take place more often.
Reviews during key transitions
If your child is moving to a new stage of education, there are legal deadlines for completing the review process.
The final amended EHCP must be issued by:
- 15 February for children starting primary school
- 15 February in Year 6 for children moving to secondary school
- 31 March in Year 11 for young people moving to post-16 education
Preparing for adulthood
From Year 9 onwards, annual reviews must include planning for adulthood.
This includes:
- employment
- independent living
- taking part in community and social life
When an EHCP may be amended
An EHCP does not need to be changed every year.
Changes may be needed when:
- your child's needs have changed significantly
- your child is moving to a new phase of education
- your child changes school
- you move home
- there are changes to health or social care support
If changes are proposed, you will receive a draft amended EHCP and have 15 days to comment on it. You can also ask to meet with your SEND Officer.
After the annual review
The council will consider the recommendations from the review meeting and decide whether the EHCP should be maintained, amended or ceased.
If a different school or college has been requested, the council must consult that education setting before making a final decision. Schools and colleges normally have 15 days to respond.
Once a final amended EHCP is issued, parents and carers have the right to request mediation and appeal to the SEND Tribunal if they disagree with the decision or the contents of the plan.
Get support
If you would like independent advice about the annual review process, contact the Westmorland and Furness SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).