Local SEND context
For families in North West, the practical question is not just how Westmorland and Furness 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.
Westmorland and Furness is responsible for 2,377 active EHC plans, with 359 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.
Westmorland and Furness issued 76% of new EHCPs within the 20-week timescale (274 of 359). Timeliness is only one part of the picture: families should still check whether sections B, F and I are specific, quantified and enforceable.
Westmorland and Furness covers families in Alston and Fellside, Appleby and Brough, Bowness and Lyth, Burton and Holme, Coniston and Hawkshead, Dalton North, Dalton South, Eamont and Shap, Eden and Lyvennet Vale, Grange and Cartmel, Greystoke and Ullswater, Hawcoat and Newbarns, Hesket and Lazonby, High Furness, Kendal Castle, Kendal Highgate, Kendal Nether, Kendal South, Kendal Strickland and Fell, Kent Estuary, Kirkby Stephen and Tebay, Levens and Crooklands, Low Furness, Old Barrow and Hindpool, Ormsgill and Parkside, Penrith North, Penrith South, Risedale and Roosecote, Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale, Ulverston, Upper Kent, Walney Island and Windermere and Ambleside and other areas within North West.
These figures are drawn from the Department for Education's SEN2 data collection and published inspection information where available.
Active EHC Plans
2,377
New EHC Plans
359
Issued within 20 weeks
76%
274 of 359 new plans
Tribunal Cases
25
Mediation Cases
18
You can request an EHC Needs Assessment directly from Westmorland and Furness 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 Westmorland and Furness 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, 76% of new EHCPs in Westmorland and Furness 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.
