What happens after an EHCP annual review?

Step 1: the review report

Where a child or young person attends a school or other institution, the school or local authority must prepare and send a report of the meeting to everyone invited within two weeks. The report should set out any recommended amendments and note differences of view where relevant.

Step 2: the local authority decision

Within four weeks of the review meeting, the local authority must decide whether to maintain the plan unchanged, amend it or cease to maintain it. The decision should be sent to the parent or young person and the education setting.

If the authority decides not to amend the plan, or decides to cease it, the notification should include information about appeal rights, time limits, mediation and available advice and support.

If the authority decides to amend

The amendment process should start without delay. The local authority should send the existing plan and an amendment notice explaining the proposed changes, with supporting evidence.

The parent or young person must have at least 15 calendar days to make representations on the proposed changes. If the authority continues with the amendments, the amended final plan must be issued as quickly as possible and within eight weeks of the original amendment notice.

What to do if nothing arrives

Keep the date of the annual review meeting. If four weeks pass without the local authority’s decision, contact the EHC case officer in writing, state the meeting date and ask for the statutory decision.

Keep copies of the review report, decision letter, amendment notice and final amended plan. These dates matter if you later need advice about delays or appeal rights.