Local SEND context
For families in North West, the practical question is not just how Manchester 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.
Manchester is responsible for 8,875 active EHC plans, with 1,593 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.
Manchester issued 65% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (1,040 of 1,593). 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.
Manchester covers families in Ancoats & Beswick, Ardwick, Baguley, Brooklands, Burnage, Charlestown, Cheetham, Chorlton, Chorlton Park, Clayton & Openshaw, Crumpsall, Deansgate, Didsbury East, Didsbury West, Fallowfield, Gorton & Abbey Hey, Harpurhey, Higher Blackley, Hulme, Levenshulme, Longsight, Miles Platting & Newton Heath, Moss Side, Moston, Northenden, Old Moat, Piccadilly, Rusholme, Sharston, Whalley Range, Withington and Woodhouse Park and other areas within North West.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
8,875
New EHC Plans
1,593
Issued within 20 weeks
65%
1,040 of 1,593 new plans
Tribunal Cases
108
Mediation Cases
39
Local Offer
Visit Manchester's Local Offer websiteYou can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Manchester 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 Manchester Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
If Manchester 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.
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.
In the latest published data, 65% of new EHCPs in Manchester 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.
