SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Bath and North East Somerset
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Bath and North East Somerset
For families in South West, the practical question is not just how Bath and North East Somerset performs on paper, but what the local data means for a child who needs support now. The figures below help identify where delays, disputes or evidence gaps may create pressure points.
Bath and North East Somerset is responsible for 2,469 active EHC plans, with 370 new plans recorded in the latest 2025 data. For parents, that means EHCP decisions are being made inside a busy local system where clear evidence and a well-structured request can make a material difference.
Only 23% of new EHCPs in Bath and North East Somerset were issued within the statutory 20-week timescale (84 of 370). Families facing this level of delay should focus on submitting a robust request from the start and keeping a clear paper trail if deadlines slip.
Bath and North East Somerset covers families in Bathavon North, Bathavon South, Bathwick, Chew Valley, Clutton & Farmborough, Combe Down, High Littleton, Keynsham East, Keynsham North, Keynsham South, Kingsmead, Lambridge, Lansdown, Mendip, Midsomer Norton North, Midsomer Norton Redfield, Moorlands, Newbridge, Odd Down, Oldfield Park, Paulton, Peasedown, Publow & Whitchurch, Radstock, Saltford, Southdown, Timsbury, Twerton & Whiteway, Walcot, Westfield, Westmoreland, Weston and Widcombe & Lyncombe and other areas within South West.
How many children in Bath and North East Somerset have an Education, Health and Care Plan?
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
2,469
New EHC Plans
370
Issued within 20 weeks
23%
84 of 370 new plans
Tribunal Cases
50
Mediation Cases
7
Practical next steps for families in Bath and North East Somerset
- Check Bath and North East Somerset's Local Offer for the current EHC needs assessment process, forms and SEND team contact details.
- Prepare a concise evidence bundle showing the child's needs, current support, what is not working and why an EHCP may be necessary.
- Track the 20-week EHCP deadline closely in Bath and North East Somerset, because the latest data suggests delay is a realistic risk for many families.
- Before appealing, identify the exact decision being challenged and the evidence needed to support each issue.
- Consider early SEN advocate support if you need help with evidence, EHCP wording, mediation or SEND tribunal preparation.
Local Resources
SEN contact email
sendias@bathnes.gov.ukSEN contact phone
01225 394382EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Bath and North East Somerset
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Bath and North East Somerset?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Bath and North East Somerset local authority. The strongest requests usually include clear school evidence, professional reports where available, examples of unmet need and a concise explanation of why SEN Support is not enough. The Bath and North East Somerset Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if Bath and North East Somerset refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Bath and North East Somerset refuses to assess or refuses to issue an EHCP after assessment, parents and young people usually have a right of appeal to the SEND Tribunal. You should read the decision letter carefully, note the appeal deadline and request mediation information before deciding how to proceed.
How can a SEN advocate help with Bath and North East Somerset EHCP problems?
A SEN advocate can help by reviewing evidence, strengthening the EHC needs assessment request, checking draft EHCP wording and preparing the issues for mediation or SEND Tribunal.
Are EHCP delays common in Bath and North East Somerset?
In the latest published data, 23% of new EHCPs in Bath and North East Somerset were issued within the 20-week timescale, so families should keep dated records and follow up missed deadlines. If your case is delayed, ask for written updates, keep copies of every submission and consider taking advice before accepting a weak draft plan.