SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in City of London
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for City of London
For families in London, the practical question is not just how City of London 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.
City of London is responsible for 26 active EHC plans, with 5 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 City of London have risen 86% since 2018 — from 14 to 26 in 2025. A rising caseload can mean longer waits and more pressure on decision-making, so preparing a strong request matters more, not less.
City of London issued 80% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (4 of 5). Timeliness is only one part of the picture: families should still check whether sections B, F and I are specific, quantified and enforceable.
City of London covers families in Aldersgate, Aldgate, Bassishaw, Billingsgate, Bishopsgate, Bread Street, Bridge, Broad Street, Candlewick, Castle Baynard, Cheap, Coleman Street, Cordwainer, Cornhill, Cripplegate, Dowgate, Farringdon Within, Farringdon Without, Langbourn, Lime Street, Portsoken, Queenhithe, St James's, Tower, Vintry and Walbrook and other areas within London.
How many children in City of London 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
26
New EHC Plans
5
Issued within 20 weeks
80%
4 of 5 new plans
Tribunal Cases
0
Progress over time in City of London
Every year of published data for City of London, so you can see the trend rather than a single snapshot.
Active EHC Plans
Issued within 20 weeks
Practical next steps for families in City of London
- Check City of London'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 City of London'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 City of London's Local Offer websiteEHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for City of London
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from City of London?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from City of London 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 City of London Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if City of London refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If City of London 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 City of London 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 City of London?
In the latest published data, 80% of new EHCPs in City of London 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.