SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Gloucestershire
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Gloucestershire
For families in South West, the practical question is not just how Gloucestershire 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.
Gloucestershire is responsible for 6,412 active EHC plans, with 967 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 24% of new EHCPs in Gloucestershire were issued within the statutory 20-week timescale (233 of 967). 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.
Gloucestershire's most recent Area SEND inspection outcome was inconsistent. This provides useful background, but individual EHCP decisions still turn on the child's assessed needs, the available evidence and whether provision is written clearly enough to be enforceable.
Gloucestershire covers families in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, Cirencester, Lydney, Moreton-in-Marsh, Patchway, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud, Tetbury, Tewkesbury, Thornbury, Winchcombe, Wotton-under-Edge and Yate and Chipping Sodbury and other areas within South West.
How many children in Gloucestershire 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
6,412
New EHC Plans
967
Issued within 20 weeks
24%
233 of 967 new plans
Tribunal Cases
267
Mediation Cases
32
Ofsted Area SEND Inspection
Practical next steps for families in Gloucestershire
- Check Gloucestershire's Local Offer for the current EHC needs assessment process, forms and SEND team contact details.
- 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 Gloucestershire, 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.
- Consider early SEN advocate support if you need help with evidence, EHCP wording, mediation or SEND tribunal preparation.
Local Resources
Local Offer
Visit Gloucestershire's Local Offer websiteSEN contact email
localoffer@gloucestershire.gov.ukSEN contact phone
0800 158 3603Additional links for Gloucestershire
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Gloucestershire
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Gloucestershire?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Gloucestershire 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. The Gloucestershire Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if Gloucestershire refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Gloucestershire 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 Gloucestershire 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 Gloucestershire?
In the latest published data, 24% of new EHCPs in Gloucestershire 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.