SEN Advocacy & EHCP Support in Wandsworth
Local SEND context
EHCP and SEN advocacy insight for Wandsworth
For families in London, the practical question is not just how Wandsworth 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.
Wandsworth is responsible for 3,359 active EHC plans, with 421 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 Wandsworth have risen 64% since 2018 — from 2,042 to 3,359 in 2025. A rising caseload can mean longer waits and more pressure on decision-making, so preparing a strong request matters more, not less.
Wandsworth issued 93% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (392 of 421). Timeliness is only one part of the picture: families should still check whether sections B, F and I are specific, quantified and enforceable.
Wandsworth covers families in Balham, Battersea Park, East Putney, Falconbrook, Furzedown, Lavender, Nine Elms, Northcote, Roehampton, Shaftesbury & Queenstown, South Balham, Southfields, St Mary's, Thamesfield, Tooting Bec, Tooting Broadway, Trinity, Wandle, Wandsworth Common, Wandsworth Town, West Hill and West Putney and other areas within London.
How many children in Wandsworth 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
3,359
New EHC Plans
421
Issued within 20 weeks
93%
392 of 421 new plans
Tribunal Cases
99
Mediation Cases
4
Progress over time in Wandsworth
Every year of published data for Wandsworth, so you can see the trend rather than a single snapshot.
Active EHC Plans
Issued within 20 weeks
Practical next steps for families in Wandsworth
- Check Wandsworth's Local Offer for the current EHC needs assessment process, forms and SEND team contact details.
- Prepare a concise evidence bundle showing the child's needs, current support, what is not working and why an EHCP may be necessary.
- Track each statutory EHCP stage in writing, even where Wandsworth's headline timeliness data looks stronger.
- 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.
Local Resources
Local Offer
Visit Wandsworth's Local Offer websiteOther local authorities we cover in London
SEN advocacy and EHCP support is also available for families in these neighbouring London authorities:
EHCP and SEN advocacy FAQs for Wandsworth
How do I request an EHC Needs Assessment from Wandsworth?
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Wandsworth 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. The Wandsworth Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
What can I do if Wandsworth refuses to assess or issue an EHCP?
If Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth?
In the latest published data, 93% of new EHCPs in Wandsworth 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.