What evidence should you bring to an EHCP annual review?

What the annual review should examine

The SEND Code says the review should focus on progress toward the outcomes in the EHC plan and whether the outcomes and supporting targets remain appropriate. It should also review special educational, health and social care provision and whether the plan still reflects current circumstances.

Useful evidence to organise

• A copy of the current EHC plan with notes against the sections you think need changing.
• Recent school reports, progress data, SEN support records or intervention reviews showing what has and has not worked.
• Reports or letters from educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, paediatrics, mental health services or other relevant professionals.
• A short parent statement describing progress, continuing difficulties, changes in needs and any provision that has not been delivered consistently.
• The child or young person’s views about what helps, what is difficult, aspirations and any worries about the current placement or support.
• A simple log of missed or changed provision where this is relevant, using dates and factual descriptions rather than assumptions about why it happened.

How to make the evidence easier to use

• Group documents by issue rather than sending a large unsorted bundle.
• For every requested change, state the current wording, the evidence supporting the change and the wording or type of change you are asking the review to recommend.
• Send relevant information early enough for it to be considered. The school or local authority must seek advice and information from those invited and circulate gathered advice at least two weeks before the meeting.

What to ask at the meeting

• Which outcomes have been met, partly met or not met?
• Is every item of Section F provision being delivered and is it effective?
• Do any needs, outcomes, provision or placement arrangements need to change?
• What amendments will the review recommend to the local authority?