What is the annual review?

Every EHCP must be reviewed at least once a year - this is the annual review. The purpose is to assess whether the outcomes in the plan are being achieved, whether the provision is working, and whether the plan needs to be amended. The school organises the review, but the local authority is responsible for deciding what happens next. You have a legal right to attend and contribute.

How to prepare

Don't go in unprepared. Before the review: read the current EHCP carefully, note which outcomes have been met and which haven't, gather any new reports or assessments, write down your concerns and what you want changed, and talk to your child about how they feel school is going. Your preparation can make the difference between a rubber-stamp review and one that actually improves your child's support.

What should happen at the review

The school should send you an invitation at least 2 weeks before the meeting. At the review, the school presents a report on your child's progress against the outcomes in the plan. All professionals involved should contribute (in writing if they can't attend). You share your views. The meeting then makes recommendations about whether the plan should be maintained as is, amended, or ceased.

After the review

After the review meeting, the LA has 4 weeks to decide whether to maintain, amend, or cease the EHCP. If they decide to amend, they must send you a draft of the proposed amendments. You have 15 days to comment. If they decide to cease the plan, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

When reviews go wrong

If the school doesn't hold a review, the LA is breaking the law. If the review is inadequate, rushed, or your views are ignored, write to the LA to complain. If the EHCP hasn't been updated to reflect your child's current needs, request an amendment or emergency review. EHCP Expert can generate challenge letters for any stage of the review process.