Local SEND context
For families in North West, the practical question is not just how Bury 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.
Bury is responsible for 2,804 active EHC plans, with 361 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.
Bury issued 81% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (293 of 361). Timeliness is only one part of the picture: families should still check whether sections B, F and I are specific, quantified and enforceable.
Bury's most recent Area SEND inspection outcome was systemic failings. 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.
Bury covers families in Besses, Bury East, Bury West, Elton, Holyrood, Moorside, North Manor, Pilkington Park, Radcliffe East, Radcliffe North & Ainsworth, Radcliffe West, Ramsbottom, Redvales, Sedgley, St. Mary's, Tottington and Unsworth and other areas within North West.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
2,804
New EHC Plans
361
Issued within 20 weeks
81%
293 of 361 new plans
Tribunal Cases
65
Mediation Cases
5
Local Offer
Visit Bury's Local Offer websiteSEN contact email
SEND.Localoffer@bury.gov.ukYou can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Bury 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 Bury Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
If Bury 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, 81% of new EHCPs in Bury 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.
