Local SEND context
For families in North West, the practical question is not just how Cheshire East 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.
Cheshire East is responsible for 4,871 active EHC plans, with 593 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.
34% of new EHCPs in Cheshire East were completed within 20 weeks (201 of 593). This suggests delays remain a realistic risk, so parents should prepare evidence early and chase missed milestones promptly.
Cheshire East covers families in Alderley Edge, Alsager, Audlem, Bollington, Brereton Rural, Broken Cross and Upton, Bunbury, Chelford, Congleton East, Congleton West, Crewe Central, Crewe East, Crewe North, Crewe South, Crewe St Barnabas, Crewe West, Dane Valley, Gawsworth, Handforth, Haslington, High Legh, Knutsford, Leighton, Macclesfield Central, Macclesfield East, Macclesfield South, Macclesfield Tytherington, Macclesfield West and Ivy, Middlewich, Mobberley, Nantwich North and West, Nantwich South and Stapeley, Odd Rode, Poynton East and Pott Shrigley, Poynton West and Adlington, Prestbury, Sandbach Elworth, Sandbach Ettiley Heath and Wheelock, Sandbach Heath and East, Sandbach Town, Shavington, Sutton, Willaston and Rope, Wilmslow Dean Row, Wilmslow East, Wilmslow Lacey Green, Wilmslow West and Chorley, Wistaston, Wrenbury and Wybunbury 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
4,871
New EHC Plans
593
Issued within 20 weeks
34%
201 of 593 new plans
Tribunal Cases
140
Mediation Cases
53
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Cheshire East 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.
If Cheshire East 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, 34% of new EHCPs in Cheshire East 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.
