SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Dudley
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Dudley
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 4,151 active EHC plans, with 468 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 Dudley have risen 116% since 2018 — from 1,926 to 4,151 in 2025. A rising caseload can mean longer waits and more pressure on decision-making, so preparing a strong request matters more, not less.
Only 19% of new EHCPs in Dudley were issued within the statutory 20-week timescale (90 of 468). 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.
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.
How many children in Dudley 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
4,151
New EHC Plans
468
Issued within 20 weeks
19%
90 of 468 new plans
Tribunal Cases
156
Mediation Cases
10
Progress over time in Dudley
Every year of published data for Dudley, so you can see the trend rather than a single snapshot.
Active EHC Plans
Issued within 20 weeks
Practical next steps for families in Dudley
- Confirm Dudley'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 the 20-week EHCP deadline closely in Dudley, because the latest data suggests delay is a realistic risk for many families.
- Before appealing, identify the exact decision being challenged and the evidence needed to support each issue.
- Because The SEN Advocate cannot provide direct support for Dudley, consider independent advice from another qualified SEN or SEND advocate if you need case-specific help.
Other local authorities we cover in West Midlands
SEN advocacy and EHCP support is also available for families in these neighbouring West Midlands authorities:
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Dudley
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Dudley?
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.
What can I do if Dudley refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
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.
How can a SEN advocate help with Dudley EHCP problems?
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.
Are EHCP delays common in Dudley?
In the latest published data, 19% 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.