EHCP Annual Reviews Frequently Asked Questions

We know that navigating the Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) annual review process can sometimes feel overwhelming, and families often have lots of questions about progress, future planning, placements and the support available for their child or young person. Feedback from parent carers has highlighted the importance of having clear, accessible information and knowing where to go for help when it's needed. 

To support families, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about EHCP annual reviews in Cumberland. 

 

What is an annual review?

An EHCP Annual Review ensures that the EHCP is still relevant. It should help your child progress towards their goals. The Annual Review is a chance to look at the plan closely.  You can propose any changes you want to the plan. This includes changes to the support provided or the outcomes. 

Watch the Council for Disabled Children’s video ‘What is an Annual Review?’ 

The purpose of the review is to:  

  • Bring together yours and your child’s views as well as the views of everyone else who helps your child  
  • Review how well the outcomes set in the plan, are being achieved  
  • Consider whether the provision and support detailed in the Education Health and Care Plan is still effective and relevant and to discuss whether it is working or needs to change.  
  • Set new targets if necessary 

 

How often is an EHCP reviewed?

EHCPs must be reviewed at least annually to ensure they remain accurate and that outcomes and provision are still appropriate. 

 

What happens at an annual review?

The school or setting gathers views from parents, the child or young person, and professionals involved. A meeting is held to discuss progress, any changes in needs, and whether the EHCP should be amended. 

  • Before your child’s annual review, it may be useful to write down any thoughts you have on anything that may need discussed at the annual review. This may include changes to your child’s needs, their ambitions or future goals, any changes to their health, etc.
  • During the annual review it will be decided whether your child/ young person’s EHCP should be amended or maintained as it is. It may also be jointly decided that the EHCP is no longer needed - this is called 'cease to maintain.'

If it needs amended, the Local Authority will action this and send you a draft. If an EHCP Coordinator cannot be present at your child/ young person's annual review, the school will make a recommendation on whether they think the EHCP should be amended, maintained, or ceased. The Local Authority will decide on an outcome based on the paperwork submitted from the annual review and inform the school and parents/ carers. 

 

What happens if the plan needs to be amended?

If the plan needs to be amended, your EHCP Coordinator will make the amendments agreed to the plan. This will be sent back to you, and you will have 15 days to respond to the amended draft plan to:  

  • Confirm you are happy with the proposed changes 
  • Inform us if you would like to make any written comments or changes to the proposed amendments 
  • Contact us if you would like to meet with a member of the SEND team to discuss the proposed changes 
  • Confirm your preference for school placement. This may be continuing in their current placement. 
  • If you require support understanding the proposed changes, contact the Cumberland SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) Their advice is impartial and independent.  

 

My child's needs have changed. Can the EHCP be updated?

Yes. Changes can be discussed through the annual review process or, where necessary, a review can be requested sooner if circumstances have significantly changed. You should speak to your child’s SENCO in the first instance. The Code of Practice states that EHC Plans are not expected to be amended on a very frequent basis. 

 

What is a phase transfer review?

A phase transfer review is a review of a child or young person’s EHCP when they are moving from one stage of education to another.

This usually happens when they are moving:

  • from early years to primary school
  • from infant to junior school
  • from primary to secondary school
  • from secondary school to post-16 education or training

The review helps make sure the EHCP is up to date, reflects the child or young person’s current needs, and names the right education setting for the next stage. It should involve parents or carers, the child or young person, the current setting, and any professionals involved.

 

Can I choose my child’s school?

Parents can express a preference for a school or setting. The local authority must consider this preference, but the preferred placement cannot always be guaranteed. This includes for specialist or resourced provision placements. 

The Local Authority must consult with local schools before naming a school on a child’s EHCP. This consultation process includes reviewing the child’s needs, the safety and suitability of schools in the local area, and their capacity to ensure they have the space and resources to support the child effectively. The Local Authority must consider all options available, as well as the preferences of the child/ young person and their family, to ensure the process is fair. 

Please note that if you have a preference for a specific school to be named, but there is another suitable school closer to where you live, transport may not be provided. 

 

How can I make sure my voice is heard?

Parents, carers, children and young people must be involved in decisions about assessments, plans and reviews. Providing your views, aspirations and concerns is an important part of the process. 

 

Where can I get help and advice?

You can seek support from: