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 3,791 active EHC plans, with 550 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.
Brent issued 68% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (376 of 550). 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
3,791
New EHC Plans
550
Issued within 20 weeks
68%
376 of 550 new plans
Tribunal Cases
46
Mediation Cases
4
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 3434EHCP 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, 68% 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.