Local SEND context
For families in London, the practical question is not just how Richmond upon Thames 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.
Richmond upon Thames is responsible for 2,018 active EHC plans, with 310 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.
Richmond upon Thames issued 79% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (245 of 310). Timeliness is only one part of the picture: families should still check whether sections B, F and I are specific, quantified and enforceable.
Richmond upon Thames's most recent Area SEND inspection outcome was positive. 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.
Richmond upon Thames covers families in Barnes, East Sheen, Fulwell & Hampton Hill, Ham, Petersham & Richmond Riverside, Hampton, Hampton North, Hampton Wick & South Teddington, Heathfield, Kew, Mortlake & Barnes Common, North Richmond, South Richmond, South Twickenham, St Margarets & North Twickenham, Teddington, Twickenham Riverside, West Twickenham and Whitton and other areas within London.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
2,018
New EHC Plans
310
Issued within 20 weeks
79%
245 of 310 new plans
Tribunal Cases
41
Mediation Cases
8
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Richmond upon Thames 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 Richmond upon Thames 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, 79% of new EHCPs in Richmond upon Thames 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.
