SEN advocacy service
Annual Review Process
EHCP annual review support helps parents prepare for the review meeting, evidence what has changed and ask for amendments where the current plan no longer reflects the child needs or provision.
- Price
- Annual review support packages available
- Best for
- Families preparing for an annual review, phase transfer review or emergency review.
- Format
- Preparation, evidence review and meeting-focused advocacy support.
Overview
What this support covers
An EHCP annual review is not just a routine school meeting. It is the formal process for checking whether the plan still describes the child or young person accurately, whether the provision is being delivered and whether the placement remains suitable. If the plan is out of date, the annual review is the route to ask the local authority to amend it.
Parents often feel that annual reviews drift into general discussion without a clear outcome. The strongest reviews are prepared in advance: what has changed, what evidence supports that, what provision is not working, what amendments are needed and what decision the local authority should make after the meeting.
The SEN Advocate helps families prepare for annual reviews so the meeting focuses on evidence, outcomes and the EHCP wording that needs to change.
Who this is for
- The EHCP no longer reflects your child current needs.
- Provision in section F is not being delivered or is no longer enough.
- You need to request a change of placement or support before phase transfer.
- School reports show limited progress despite the plan.
- You want help preparing questions, evidence and amendment requests.
Common problems
- The meeting discusses concerns but no one records precise amendment requests.
- Parents are told to wait until the next review despite urgent changes.
- Reports are not circulated in time or are not used effectively.
- The local authority decision after review is delayed.
- The plan remains vague even though needs have changed.
How we help
- Review the current EHCP and recent evidence.
- Prepare key issues and amendment requests before the meeting.
- Help parents understand what the review can and cannot decide.
- Support meeting preparation and follow-up actions.
- Explain rights if the local authority refuses to amend, ceases the plan or delays a decision.
Process
How the support works
Step 1
Current plan review
We identify which parts of the EHCP are out of date, vague or not being delivered.
Step 2
Evidence preparation
We help organise school reports, professional advice, parent views and examples of unmet need.
Step 3
Meeting plan
We help prepare a clear agenda of issues and proposed amendments so the review remains focused.
Step 4
Post-review next steps
We explain the local authority decision process and what options exist if the decision is wrong or delayed.
Included
What you can expect
- Review of the current EHCP.
- Preparation of annual review issues.
- Advice on amendment requests.
- Meeting preparation guidance.
- Follow-up advice on local authority decisions.
FAQs
Questions about Annual Review Process
Can an annual review change an EHCP?
Yes. After the review, the local authority must decide whether to maintain, amend or cease the EHCP. If the plan no longer reflects needs or provision, parents can ask for amendments through the review process.
What evidence should I take to an annual review?
Useful evidence can include school progress data, reports from professionals, therapy updates, attendance information, behaviour records, parent views and examples showing whether provision is working.
Can I ask for an early or emergency review?
Yes, an early review can be requested where circumstances have changed significantly. This may be relevant if needs have increased, provision has broken down or placement is no longer suitable.
What if the local authority refuses to amend the EHCP?
A refusal to amend after annual review can usually be appealed. Parents should check the decision letter, deadline and whether the issues are about needs, provision or placement.