SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Brighton and Hove
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Brighton and Hove
For families in South East, the practical question is not just how Brighton and Hove 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.
Brighton and Hove is responsible for 2,800 active EHC plans, with 452 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.
Brighton and Hove issued 59% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (267 of 452). 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.
Brighton and Hove's most recent Area SEND inspection outcome was positive. This provides useful background, but individual EHCP decisions still turn on the child's assessed needs, the available evidence and whether provision is written clearly enough to be enforceable.
Brighton and Hove covers families in Brunswick & Adelaide, Central Hove, Coldean & Stanmer, Goldsmid, Hangleton & Knoll, Hanover & Elm Grove, Hollingdean & Fiveways, Kemptown, Moulsecoomb & Bevendean, North Portslade, Patcham & Hollingbury, Preston Park, Queen's Park, Regency, Rottingdean & West Saltdean, Round Hill, South Portslade, West Hill & North Laine, Westbourne & Poets' Corner, Westdene & Hove Park, Whitehawk & Marina, Wish and Woodingdean and other areas within South East.
How many children in Brighton and Hove 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
2,800
New EHC Plans
452
Issued within 20 weeks
59%
267 of 452 new plans
Tribunal Cases
79
Mediation Cases
31
Ofsted Area SEND Inspection
Practical next steps for families in Brighton and Hove
- Check Brighton and Hove'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 Brighton and Hove'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
SEN contact email
sendiass@AmazeSussex.org.ukSEN contact phone
01273 772289EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Brighton and Hove
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Brighton and Hove?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Brighton and Hove 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 Brighton and Hove Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if Brighton and Hove refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Brighton and Hove 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 Brighton and Hove 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 Brighton and Hove?
In the latest published data, 59% of new EHCPs in Brighton and Hove 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.