Local SEND context
For families in South West, the practical question is not just how North Somerset 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.
North Somerset is responsible for 2,644 active EHC plans, with 626 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.
North Somerset issued 51% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (321 of 626). 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.
North Somerset covers families in Backwell, Banwell & Winscombe, Blagdon & Churchill, Clevedon East, Clevedon South, Clevedon Walton, Clevedon West, Clevedon Yeo, Congresbury & Puxton, Gordano Valley, Hutton & Locking, Long Ashton, Nailsea Golden Valley, Nailsea West End, Nailsea Yeo, Nailsea Youngwood, Pill, Portishead East, Portishead North, Portishead South, Portishead West, Weston-super-Mare Central, Weston-super-Mare Hillside, Weston-super-Mare Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare Mid Worle, Weston-super-Mare Milton, Weston-super-Mare North Worle, Weston-super-Mare South, Weston-super-Mare South Worle, Weston-super-Mare Uphill, Weston-super-Mare Winterstoke, Wick St Lawrence & St Georges, Winford, Wrington and Yatton and other areas within South West.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
2,644
New EHC Plans
626
Issued within 20 weeks
51%
321 of 626 new plans
Tribunal Cases
94
Mediation Cases
26
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from North Somerset 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.
If North Somerset 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, 51% of new EHCPs in North Somerset 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.
