Local SEND context
For families in London, the practical question is not just how Croydon 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.
Croydon is responsible for 5,232 active EHC plans, with 905 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.
Croydon issued 74% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (667 of 905). 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.
Croydon covers families in Addiscombe East, Addiscombe West, Bensham Manor, Broad Green, Coulsdon Town, Crystal Palace & Upper Norwood, Fairfield, Kenley, New Addington North, New Addington South, Norbury & Pollards Hill, Norbury Park, Old Coulsdon, Park Hill & Whitgift, Purley & Woodcote, Purley Oaks & Riddlesdown, Sanderstead, Selhurst, Selsdon & Addington Village, Selsdon Vale & Forestdale, Shirley North, Shirley South, South Croydon, South Norwood, Thornton Heath, Waddon, West Thornton and Woodside and other areas within London.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
5,232
New EHC Plans
905
Issued within 20 weeks
74%
667 of 905 new plans
Tribunal Cases
85
Mediation Cases
28
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Croydon 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 Croydon 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, 74% of new EHCPs in Croydon 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.
