SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Shropshire
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Shropshire
The SEN Advocate is based in the West Midlands, so families in Shropshire are close to our regional SEND advocacy base. That local context matters when preparing evidence, challenging decisions and understanding how local authority processes affect EHCP timescales.
Shropshire is responsible for 3,360 active EHC plans, with 430 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 Shropshire have risen 76% since 2018 — from 1,906 to 3,360 in 2025. A rising caseload can mean longer waits and more pressure on decision-making, so preparing a strong request matters more, not less.
Only 10% of new EHCPs in Shropshire were issued within the statutory 20-week timescale (45 of 430). Families facing this level of delay should focus on submitting a robust request from the start and keeping a clear paper trail if deadlines slip.
Shropshire covers families in Abbey, Albrighton, Bagley, Battlefield, Bayston Hill, Bicton Heath, Bishop's Castle, Bridgnorth Castle, Bridgnorth East, Bridgnorth South & Alveley, Bridgnorth West & Tasley, Broseley, Brown Clee, Burnell, Castlefields & Ditherington, Cheswardine, Chirbury & Worthen, Claverley & Worfield, Clee, Cleobury Mortimer, Clun, Column & Sutton, Copthorne, Corvedale, Craven Arms, Ellesmere Urban, Harlescott, Highley, Hodnet, Llanymynech, Longden, Loton, Ludlow East, Ludlow North, Ludlow South, Market Drayton East & Rural, Market Drayton North, Market Drayton South, Meole, Monkmoor, Much Wenlock, Oswestry North, Oswestry North East, Oswestry South, Oswestry South East, Oteley & Reabrook, Porthill, Prees, Quarry & Coton Hill, Radbrook, Rea Valley, Ruyton & Baschurch, Selattyn & Gobowen, Severn Valley, Shawbury, Shifnal North, Shifnal Rural, Shifnal South, St Martin's, St Oswald, Stottesdon, Kinlet & Hopton Wafers, Sundorne & Old Heath, Tern, The Meres, The Strettons, Underdale, Wem, Whitchurch North, Whitchurch South, Whitchurch West and Whittington and other areas within West Midlands.
How many children in Shropshire 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
3,360
New EHC Plans
430
Issued within 20 weeks
10%
45 of 430 new plans
Tribunal Cases
23
Mediation Cases
13
Progress over time in Shropshire
Every year of published data for Shropshire, so you can see the trend rather than a single snapshot.
Active EHC Plans
Issued within 20 weeks
Practical next steps for families in Shropshire
- Confirm Shropshire's current EHC needs assessment process and SEND team contact details before submitting paperwork.
- Prepare a concise evidence bundle showing the child's needs, current support, what is not working and why an EHCP may be necessary.
- Track the 20-week EHCP deadline closely in Shropshire, because the latest data suggests delay is a realistic risk for many families.
- 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.
Other local authorities we cover in West Midlands
SEN advocacy and EHCP support is also available for families in these neighbouring West Midlands authorities:
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Shropshire
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Shropshire?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Shropshire 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.
What can I do if Shropshire refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Shropshire 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 Shropshire 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 Shropshire?
In the latest published data, 10% of new EHCPs in Shropshire 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.