SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Croydon
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Croydon
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.
How many children in Croydon 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
5,232
New EHC Plans
905
Issued within 20 weeks
74%
667 of 905 new plans
Tribunal Cases
85
Mediation Cases
28
Practical next steps for families in Croydon
- Confirm Croydon's current EHC needs assessment process and SEND team contact details before submitting paperwork.
- 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 Croydon'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.
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Croydon
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Croydon?
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.
What can I do if Croydon refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
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.
How can a SEN advocate help with Croydon 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 Croydon?
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.