Local SEND context
The SEN Advocate is based in the West Midlands, so families in Solihull 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.
Solihull is responsible for 2,503 active EHC plans, with 346 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.
33% of new EHCPs in Solihull were completed within 20 weeks (115 of 346). This suggests delays remain a realistic risk, so parents should prepare evidence early and chase missed milestones promptly.
Solihull covers families in Bickenhill, Blythe, Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Dorridge and Hockley Heath, Elmdon, Kingshurst and Fordbridge, Knowle, Lyndon, Meriden, Olton, Shirley East, Shirley South, Shirley West, Silhill, Smith's Wood and St Alphege and other areas within West Midlands.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
2,503
New EHC Plans
346
Issued within 20 weeks
33%
115 of 346 new plans
Tribunal Cases
161
Mediation Cases
29
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Solihull 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 Solihull 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, 33% of new EHCPs in Solihull 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.
