SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Greenwich
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Greenwich
For families in London, the practical question is not just how Greenwich 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.
Greenwich is responsible for 3,244 active EHC plans, with 690 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.
31% of new EHCPs in Greenwich were completed within 20 weeks (213 of 690). This suggests delays remain a realistic risk, so parents should prepare evidence early and chase missed milestones promptly.
Greenwich's most recent Area SEND inspection outcome was positive. 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.
Greenwich covers families in Abbey Wood, Blackheath Westcombe, Charlton Hornfair, Charlton Village & Riverside, East Greenwich, Eltham Page, Eltham Park & Progress, Eltham Town & Avery Hill, Greenwich Creekside, Greenwich Park, Greenwich Peninsula, Kidbrooke Park, Kidbrooke Village & Sutcliffe, Middle Park & Horn Park, Mottingham, Coldharbour & New Eltham, Plumstead & Glyndon, Plumstead Common, Shooters Hill, Thamesmead Moorings, West Thamesmead, Woolwich Arsenal, Woolwich Common and Woolwich Dockyard and other areas within London.
How many children in Greenwich 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
3,244
New EHC Plans
690
Issued within 20 weeks
31%
213 of 690 new plans
Tribunal Cases
101
Mediation Cases
25
Ofsted Area SEND Inspection
Practical next steps for families in Greenwich
- Confirm Greenwich'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 Greenwich, 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.
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Greenwich
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Greenwich?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Greenwich 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 Greenwich refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Greenwich 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 Greenwich 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 Greenwich?
In the latest published data, 31% of new EHCPs in Greenwich 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.