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 3,175 active EHC plans, with 411 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.
Wandsworth issued 98% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (404 of 411). 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
3,175
New EHC Plans
411
Issued within 20 weeks
98%
404 of 411 new plans
Tribunal Cases
87
Mediation Cases
5
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 websiteEHCP 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, 98% 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.