SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Brent
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Brent
For families in London, the practical question is not just how Brent 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.
Brent is responsible for 4,171 active EHC plans, with 509 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.
Looking at the trend rather than a single year, EHC plans in Brent have risen 92% since 2018 — from 2,173 to 4,171 in 2025. A rising caseload can mean longer waits and more pressure on decision-making, so preparing a strong request matters more, not less.
Brent issued 54% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (276 of 509). Even where most plans are on time, a significant minority of families may still need help responding to delay, poor draft wording or missing provision.
Brent covers families in Alperton, Barnhill, Brondesbury Park, Cricklewood & Mapesbury, Dollis Hill, Harlesden & Kensal Green, Kenton, Kilburn, Kingsbury, Northwick Park, Preston, Queens Park, Queensbury, Roundwood, Stonebridge, Sudbury, Tokyngton, Welsh Harp, Wembley Central, Wembley Hill, Wembley Park and Willesden Green and other areas within London.
How many children in Brent 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
4,171
New EHC Plans
509
Issued within 20 weeks
54%
276 of 509 new plans
Tribunal Cases
68
Mediation Cases
18
Progress over time in Brent
Every year of published data for Brent, so you can see the trend rather than a single snapshot.
Active EHC Plans
Issued within 20 weeks
Practical next steps for families in Brent
- Check Brent'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 each statutory EHCP stage in writing, even where Brent's headline timeliness data looks stronger.
- 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
Local Offer
Visit Brent's Local Offer websiteSEN contact email
sendias@brent.gov.ukSEN contact phone
0208 937 3434Other local authorities we cover in London
SEN advocacy and EHCP support is also available for families in these neighbouring London authorities:
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Brent
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Brent?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Brent 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 Brent Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if Brent refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Brent 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 Brent 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 Brent?
In the latest published data, 54% of new EHCPs in Brent 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.