Local SEND context
For families in North East, the practical question is not just how County Durham 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.
County Durham is responsible for 5,390 active EHC plans, with 1,009 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.
Only 15% of new EHCPs in County Durham were issued within the statutory 20-week timescale (153 of 1,009). Families facing this level of delay should focus on submitting a robust request from the start and keeping a clear paper trail if deadlines slip.
County Durham covers families in Annfield Plain & Tanfield, Aycliffe North & Middridge, Aycliffe South, Barnard Castle, Belmont, Benfieldside, Bishop Auckland, Blackhalls & Hesledens, Bowburn & Coxhoe, Brandon, Castle Eden & Passfield, Chester-le-Street North, Chester-le-Street South, Chilton, Consett North, Consett South, Craghead & South Moor, Crook, Dalton & Dawdon, Deerness, Delves Lane, Derwent & Pont Valley, Easington & Shotton, Elvet, Gilesgate & Shincliffe, Evenwood, Ferryhill, Framwellgate & Newton Hall, Horden & Dene House, Lanchester & Burnhope, Langley & Esh, Lower Teesdale, Lumley & West Rainton, Murton, Neville's Cross, North Lodge, Pelton, Peterlee, Pittington & Sherburn, Sacriston & Witton Gilbert, Seaham, Sedgefield, Shildon & Dene Valley, Spennymoor, Stanley, Thornley & Wheatley Hill, Trimdon & Wingate, Tudhoe, Upper Teesdale, Weardale, West Auckland and Willington & Hunwick and other areas within North East.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
5,390
New EHC Plans
1,009
Issued within 20 weeks
15%
153 of 1,009 new plans
Tribunal Cases
344
Mediation Cases
68
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from County Durham 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 County Durham 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, 15% of new EHCPs in County Durham 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.
