Local SEND context
For families in North West, the practical question is not just how Oldham 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.
Oldham is responsible for 3,652 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.
Oldham issued 50% of new EHCPs within 20 weeks (183 of 368). 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.
Oldham'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.
Oldham covers families in Alexandra, Chadderton Central, Chadderton North, Chadderton South, Coldhurst, Crompton, Failsworth East, Failsworth West, Hollinwood, Medlock Vale, Royton North, Royton South, Saddleworth North, Saddleworth South, Saddleworth West & Lees, Shaw, St James', St Mary's, Waterhead and Werneth 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
3,652
New EHC Plans
368
Issued within 20 weeks
50%
183 of 368 new plans
Tribunal Cases
101
Mediation Cases
108
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Oldham 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 Oldham 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, 50% of new EHCPs in Oldham 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.
