You have at least 15 days

When the local authority issues a draft EHCP, they must give you at least 15 days (often longer) to review it, comment on it, and express your school placement preference. This 15-day period is critical. If you miss it, you lose your opportunity to request amendments before the plan is finalised. Immediately put the deadline in your calendar. Read the draft as soon as you receive it - don't put it aside.

Read everything carefully

Read the entire draft from start to finish. Sections A (your views), B (needs), C (health needs), D (social care), E (outcomes), F (educational provision), G (health provision), H (social care provision), and I (school placement). Don't just scan it - read it properly. Ask yourself: Does Section B accurately describe my child's needs? Does Section F have enough provision? Will this provision actually meet the needs? Is the school named the right choice? Are there gaps? Are there errors?

Common problems to look for

Weak Section F provision (vague, unquantified, or insufficient), gaps between Section B needs and Section F provision, missing therapies or support, inaccurate descriptions in Section B, wrong school named, provision in the wrong section (should be in F not G), health or social care needs mentioned in Section B but no provision, failure to reference the child's views and feelings, factual errors about the child's background. Even small errors can matter - challenge them.

How to respond

You can respond in writing (email to the SEND assessment team) or in person at a review meeting, or both. For significant issues, respond in writing so you have a record. Be specific and reference exact sections: "Section B states that [child] has [specific need]. We note that Section F does not contain corresponding provision. We request that the following provision be added: [specific provision]." For school placement, state your preference clearly: "We wish [School Name] to be named in Section I as the school placement."

After the final 15 days

After you've responded (or after 15 days if you don't respond), the LA has 8 weeks from the original decision to issue the final EHCP. They may issue it unchanged, amend it based on your feedback, or refuse some of your requested amendments. If they refuse amendments you believe are necessary, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal. Don't accept an inadequate final plan - appeal if necessary. An EHCP that doesn't meet your child's needs is almost as bad as not having one.