Local SEND context
Birmingham sits within the West Midlands SEND landscape, where families often need to compare local authority data, school evidence and tribunal options carefully before deciding their next step.
Birmingham is responsible for 12,094 active EHC plans, with 1,479 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 Birmingham were issued within the statutory 20-week timescale (344 of 1,479). 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.
Birmingham covers families in Acocks Green, Alum Rock, Aston, Balsall Heath West, Bartley Green, Billesley, Birchfield, Bordesley & Highgate, Bordesley Green, Bournbrook & Selly Park, Bournville & Cotteridge, Brandwood & King's Heath, Castle Vale, Edgbaston, Erdington, Garretts Green, Gravelly Hill, Handsworth, Handsworth Wood, Harborne, Heartlands, Holyhead, Kingstanding, Ladywood, Longbridge & West Heath, Lozells, Moseley, Nechells, Newtown, Northfield, Perry Barr, Perry Common, Quinton, Rubery & Rednal, Shard End, Sheldon, Small Heath, Soho & Jewellery Quarter, Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath East, Sparkhill, Stirchley, Tyseley & Hay Mills, Ward End, Weoley & Selly Oak, Sutton, Hall Green, Kings Norton and Yardley and other areas within West Midlands.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
12,094
New EHC Plans
1,479
Issued within 20 weeks
23%
344 of 1,479 new plans
Tribunal Cases
639
Mediation Cases
81
Local Offer
Visit Birmingham's Local Offer websiteSEN contact email
sendiass@birmingham.gov.ukSEN contact phone
0121 303 5004Additional links for Birmingham
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Birmingham 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 Birmingham Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
If Birmingham 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.
Because of a conflict of interest, The SEN Advocate cannot provide direct case support for Birmingham, but the same principles apply when choosing independent help: look for someone who can review evidence, identify appeal issues and explain statutory deadlines clearly.
In the latest published data, 23% of new EHCPs in Birmingham 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.
Due to a conflict of interest, we're unable to offer support for this area. See the link above for support.
