Local SEND context
Dudley sits within the West Midlands SEND landscape, where families often need to compare local authority data, school evidence and tribunal options carefully before deciding their next step.
Dudley is responsible for 3,805 active EHC plans, with 545 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.
43% of new EHCPs in Dudley were completed within 20 weeks (235 of 545). This suggests delays remain a realistic risk, so parents should prepare evidence early and chase missed milestones promptly.
Dudley covers families in Amblecote, Belle Vale, Brierley Hill & Wordsley South, Brockmoor & Pensnett, Castle & Priory, Coseley, Cradley North & Wollescote, Gornal, Halesowen North, Halesowen South, Hayley Green & Cradley South, Kingswinford North & Wall Heath, Kingswinford South, Lye & Stourbridge North, Netherton & Holly Hall, Norton, Pedmore & Stourbridge East, Quarry Bank & Dudley Wood, Sedgley, St. James's, St. Thomas's, Upper Gornal & Woodsetton, Wollaston & Stourbridge Town and Wordsley North and other areas within West Midlands.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
3,805
New EHC Plans
545
Issued within 20 weeks
43%
235 of 545 new plans
Tribunal Cases
152
Mediation Cases
26
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Dudley 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 Dudley 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.
Because of a conflict of interest, The SEN Advocate cannot provide direct case support for Dudley, but the same principles apply when choosing independent help: look for someone who can review evidence, identify appeal issues and explain statutory deadlines clearly.
In the latest published data, 43% of new EHCPs in Dudley 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.
Due to a conflict of interest, we're unable to offer support for this area. See the link above for support.
