Local SEND context
For families in South East, the practical question is not just how West Sussex 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.
West Sussex is responsible for 9,301 active EHC plans, with 1,788 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.
Only 10% of new EHCPs in West Sussex were issued within the statutory 20-week timescale (171 of 1,788). 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.
West Sussex's most recent Area SEND inspection outcome was inconsistent. 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.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
9,301
New EHC Plans
1,788
Issued within 20 weeks
10%
171 of 1,788 new plans
Tribunal Cases
350
Mediation Cases
59
Local Offer
Visit West Sussex's Local Offer websiteYou can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from West Sussex 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 West Sussex Local Offer link on this page is a useful starting point for local forms, guidance and SEND team information.
If West Sussex 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, 10% of new EHCPs in West Sussex 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.
