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EHCPs and Annual Reviews
Your child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) describes their needs, the support they require and the outcomes they are working towards.
The Annual Review gives you, your child, the school and professionals supporting your child an opportunity to look at how the plan is working and whether anything needs to change.
What Happens at an Annual Review?
1. Look at Progress
We look at how your child is progressing towards the outcomes in their EHCP.
2. Hear Your Views
You and your child have an important opportunity to share your views, wishes and priorities.
3. Review Support
We look at whether the support in the EHCP is still appropriate for your child's needs.
4. Plan Ahead
The review also looks ahead to your child's next steps and future outcomes.
What Is an EHCP?
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a legal document for a child or young person with special educational needs who requires additional support.
It brings together information about their needs, the provision required to support them and the outcomes they are working towards.
Preparing for Your Child's Annual Review
You do not need to be an EHCP expert. Before the meeting, it can help to think about a few simple questions.
- What is going well?
- What is your child finding difficult?
- Have your child's needs changed?
- Is the current support helping?
- Is there anything you think needs to change?
- What is important to your child for the future?
Write down anything important that you want to discuss so you have it with you during the review.
Your Child's Voice Matters
Your child's views, wishes and feelings are an important part of their Annual Review.
Children and young people communicate in different ways. The important thing is that their views are represented in a way that works for them.
Speak to the school if you would like to understand how your child's views will be included in the review.
What Happens After the Review?
After the review, the Local Authority considers the EHCP and the information gathered during the review.
The Local Authority can decide to:
- Maintain the EHCP without changes.
- Amend the EHCP.
- Cease the EHCP if it decides it is no longer required.
The Local Authority should tell you its decision following the Annual Review process.
Brent Annual Review Information
If Brent Council maintains your child's EHCP, its SEND Local Offer explains what happens before, during and after an Annual Review.
It also provides information about parent and child contributions, phase transfers and Annual Reviews from Year 9 onwards.
Independent EHCP Advice
IPSEA provides free information about SEND law for parents and carers.
Its Annual Review guidance explains the process and includes a useful checklist to help parents understand what should happen.
Need Independent SEND Advice?
SENDIASS services provide information, advice and support about SEND to children, young people and parents.
This can be helpful if you want independent support understanding an EHCP, an Annual Review or the SEND process.
Does Another Council Maintain Your Child's EHCP?
Some Compass Learning Partnership pupils live outside Brent. Your child's home Local Authority remains responsible for decisions about their EHCP.
Use your council's SEND Local Offer to find its EHCP and Annual Review information.
Year 9 and Preparing for Adulthood
From Year 9 onwards, Annual Reviews also look ahead to preparing for adulthood.
This can include conversations about:
- Education, training and employment
- Independence
- Taking part in the community
- Health and wellbeing
Has Something Important Changed?
You do not need to wait silently until the next Annual Review if there has been an important change in your child's needs or circumstances.
Speak to your child's school and the Local Authority that maintains the EHCP so that your concerns can be discussed.
Useful Help for Parents
Brent SEND Local Offer
Local information about EHCPs, Annual Reviews, SEND services and support.
IPSEA
Independent information about SEND law, EHCPs, Annual Reviews and parents' rights.
SENDIASS
Independent SEND information and advice for parents, carers and young people.
Your Views Are Important
You know your child well. The Annual Review is an opportunity to share what is working, what may need to change and what is important for your child's future.