SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Lambeth
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Lambeth
For families in London, the practical question is not just how Lambeth 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.
Lambeth is responsible for 3,350 active EHC plans, with 368 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 Lambeth have risen 38% since 2018 — from 2,424 to 3,350 in 2025. A rising caseload can mean longer waits and more pressure on decision-making, so preparing a strong request matters more, not less.
Lambeth issued 94% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (345 of 368). Timeliness is only one part of the picture: families should still check whether sections B, F and I are specific, quantified and enforceable.
Lambeth covers families in Brixton Acre Lane, Brixton North, Brixton Rush Common, Brixton Windrush, Clapham Common & Abbeville, Clapham East, Clapham Park, Clapham Town, Gipsy Hill, Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction, Kennington, Knight's Hill, Myatt's Fields, Oval, St Martin's, Stockwell East, Stockwell West & Larkhall, Streatham Common & Vale, Streatham Hill East, Streatham Hill West & Thornton, Streatham St Leonard's, Streatham Wells, Vauxhall, Waterloo & South Bank and West Dulwich and other areas within London.
How many children in Lambeth 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
3,350
New EHC Plans
368
Issued within 20 weeks
94%
345 of 368 new plans
Tribunal Cases
58
Mediation Cases
5
Progress over time in Lambeth
Every year of published data for Lambeth, so you can see the trend rather than a single snapshot.
Active EHC Plans
Issued within 20 weeks
Practical next steps for families in Lambeth
- Check Lambeth'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 Lambeth'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 Lambeth's Local Offer websiteOther local authorities we cover in London
SEN advocacy and EHCP support is also available for families in these neighbouring London authorities:
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Lambeth
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Lambeth?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Lambeth 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 Lambeth Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if Lambeth refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Lambeth 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 Lambeth 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 Lambeth?
In the latest published data, 94% of new EHCPs in Lambeth 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.