Local SEND context
For families in Yorkshire and The Humber, the practical question is not just how Bradford 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.
Bradford is responsible for 7,493 active EHC plans, with 1,340 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.
Bradford issued 88% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (1,180 of 1,340). Timeliness is only one part of the picture: families should still check whether sections B, F and I are specific, quantified and enforceable.
Bradford covers families in Baildon, Bingley, Bingley Rural, Bolton and Undercliffe, Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor, City, Clayton and Fairweather Green, Craven, Eccleshill, Great Horton, Heaton, Idle and Thackley, Ilkley, Keighley Central, Keighley East, Keighley West, Little Horton, Manningham, Queensbury, Royds, Shipley, Thornton and Allerton, Toller, Tong, Wharfedale, Wibsey, Windhill and Wrose, Worth Valley and Wyke and other areas within Yorkshire and The Humber.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
7,493
New EHC Plans
1,340
Issued within 20 weeks
88%
1,180 of 1,340 new plans
Tribunal Cases
279
Mediation Cases
72
Local Offer
Visit Bradford's Local Offer websiteSEN contact email
LocalOffer@bradford.gov.ukYou can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Bradford 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 Bradford Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
If Bradford 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.
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.
In the latest published data, 88% of new EHCPs in Bradford 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.
