SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Hertfordshire
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Hertfordshire
For families in East of England, the practical question is not just how Hertfordshire 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.
Hertfordshire is responsible for 15,137 active EHC plans, with 2,685 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 Hertfordshire have risen 139% since 2018 — from 6,328 to 15,137 in 2025. A rising caseload can mean longer waits and more pressure on decision-making, so preparing a strong request matters more, not less.
Hertfordshire issued 54% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (1,449 of 2,685). 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.
Hertfordshire's most recent Area SEND inspection outcome was systemic failings. 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.
How many children in Hertfordshire 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
15,137
New EHC Plans
2,685
Issued within 20 weeks
54%
1,449 of 2,685 new plans
Tribunal Cases
684
Mediation Cases
33
Progress over time in Hertfordshire
Every year of published data for Hertfordshire, so you can see the trend rather than a single snapshot.
Active EHC Plans
Issued within 20 weeks
Ofsted Area SEND Inspection
Practical next steps for families in Hertfordshire
- Check Hertfordshire'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 each statutory EHCP stage in writing, even where Hertfordshire'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.
Local Resources
Local Offer
Visit Hertfordshire's Local Offer websiteOther local authorities we cover in East of England
SEN advocacy and EHCP support is also available for families in these neighbouring East of England authorities:
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Hertfordshire
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Hertfordshire?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if Hertfordshire refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire?
In the latest published data, 54% of new EHCPs in Hertfordshire 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.