Understanding EHC Plans

An EHC Plan is a legal document detailing a child's special educational needs and the support they require.

Key Components:

• Detailed needs assessment

• Specific support requirements

• Legal commitment from local authorities

• Annual review process

Application Process:

1. Initial request to local authority

2. Needs assessment

3. Draft plan development

4. Final plan confirmation

5. Annual review

Alarming Findings: New SEND Appeals Report Shows System Under Strain

A recent Public Accounts Committee report has revealed concerning trends in SEND support across England. Appeals against Local Authority decisions have surged by 55% compared to the previous year, with parents overwhelmingly successful when cases reach tribunal - 95% of hearings ruled in parents' favour.

Most appeals centered on three crucial areas: the description of children's needs (Section B), the provision offered (Section F), and school placement decisions (Section I). Perhaps most troubling is that Local Authorities spent £153 million defending themselves at tribunals - money that could have been better invested in supporting our children directly.

These findings reinforce what many families experience: securing appropriate SEND support remains unnecessarily challenging. If you're navigating the SEND system and need guidance, we're here to help.