This page explains what an EHCP is and how the process works, from requesting an assessment through to plans, reviews, and appeals. It helps you understand what to expect at each stage and what help is available.
If you’re looking for help because an EHCP is taking longer than it should, you can find guidance here.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal plan that sets out the help a child or young person needs to learn, stay well, and take part in everyday life. If a child has an EHCP, the local authority must make sure the support written in the plan is provided.
An EHCP brings together support from education, health, and social care in one place. It is not just paperwork – it gives children, young people, and families important rights, and helps make sure the right support is in place.
The EHCP process should take no longer than 20 weeks from start to finish. Sometimes it takes longer than it should. Bristol City Council is working to improve how quickly EHCPs are completed.
On this page, we explain each step of the process and what you can do if things don’t go to plan.
Many parent carers ask this question and it’s not always easy to answer straight away.
Some children get the help they need through support already in place at school. Others need more help or support that must stay in place even if they change schools. An EHCP is used when a child needs support that goes beyond what a school can usually provide from its own resources.
Not every child will need an EHCP. There is a legal test that helps decide when one is needed. You don’t need to understand this in detail to take the next step.
A good place to start is by talking with your child’s class teacher or the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo). You can also look at the school’s SEND information report on their website. If you can’t find it, the school office should be able to help – or you can contact us and we’ll support you.
This depends on your child’s needs and the support they need at school.
Some children get the right help through support already in place at school. Others may need more help than a school can usually provide from its own resources. When this might be the case, an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) can be requested.
To decide whether to carry out an assessment, the local authority uses a legal test. In simple terms, they ask:
You do not need a diagnosis for your child to meet this test.
If you think your child may meet this test, you can ask the school to request an assessment. A good place to start is by talking with your child’s class teacher or the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCo).
If the school does not agree, you can also ask the local authority yourself by writing to them. Read on to find out what happens after a request is made.
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Day 1 is the day an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHCNA) is requested.
This request can be made by:
There is a template letter here from IPSEA, which will help you make the request if you would like to make it yourself.
From this day, the local authority’s timescales begin. They should record the date the request was received and start the process.
Your child should continue to get support in school while this is happening.
Once the EHC needs assessment has been submitted, you should:
You might also want to start thinking about whether there are any health professionals who know your child well, such as a paediatrician, therapist, or CAMHS worker. You don’t need to contact anyone yet — this is just to help you feel prepared for the next stages.
You don’t need to send lots of information straight away. More details can be shared later in the process.
If you do not get confirmation that the request has been received, you can follow up and ask for this in writing.
If a school has said they will make the request but you are unsure whether they have done so, you can ask for confirmation or make the request yourself.
The next section explains what should happen in the first few weeks after a request is made.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
You don’t have to work this out on your own. Support is available, and it’s okay to ask for help at any point.
By the end of Week 6, the local authority should decide whether to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.
They should tell you their decision in writing. If they agree to assess, the assessment stage will begin. If they do not agree, they must explain why.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected to make some decisions. If a decision is going to be late, they should let families know and explain what is happening.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while you are waiting.
If you are told there will be a delay, you can ask when you should expect the decision and who to contact if you do not hear back. You could also:
By the end of Week 6, the local authority should decide whether to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.
They should tell you their decision in writing. There are two possible outcomes at this stage.
If the decision is yes
If the local authority agrees to assess, the EHC needs assessment moves into the next stage.
This is when advice is requested from education, health and social care. This may include information from professionals such as paediatricians, therapists, or CAMHS, if they are involved with your child. If there are health professionals you want advice from, you should ask for it at this stage.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while this is happening.
If the decision is no
If the local authority decides not to carry out an assessment, they must explain their reasons in writing.
This is the point where you gain the right to challenge the decision, including through mediation or appeal. You can read more about this in the appeals section below.
Support in school should continue, even if an assessment is not agreed.
If you have not been contacted by week 6, you can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk and ask for an update.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
You can also get advice from IPSEA here and from SOS!SEN here.
During Weeks 7 to 15, the local authority gathers advice about your child’s needs.
This should include information from education, health and social care.
They may ask for advice from professionals such as teachers, educational psychologists, paediatricians, therapists, or other services involved with your child.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected in some cases. If this stage is going to take longer, families should be told via telephone or letter and kept updated about any delays.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while advice is being gathered.
During this stage, the local authority may contact you to gather information. You don’t need to be proactive or chase things unless you’re asked, but it is important to keep track of the date. This section is here to help you recognise what is normal and what might be helpful.
You should be given enough time to respond, and you should not be asked to gather lots of new evidence at short notice. If something feels unclear or overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for more time or support. You cna also contact us at any stage.
If you are not sure what advice is being gathered, you can ask the local authority for an update. You can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk.
If this stage is taking longer than expected and you have not been told about a delay, you can ask when you should expect the next update.
Delays at this stage do not mean the assessment has stopped. Support in school should continue.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice. We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
By Week 16, the local authority should decide whether they will issue an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
If they decide to issue a plan, they should send you a draft EHCP.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected in some cases. If this decision is going to be late, families should be told either via a phone call or email, and they should be kept updated about any delays.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while you are waiting.
This stage can feel like a big moment. You don’t need to rush or do everything at once. This section is here to help you know what to expect and how to take things step by step.
If you’re unsure, it’s okay to pause and get advice before responding.
By the end of Week 16, the local authority should decide whether to issue an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
If you have not heard anything by Week 16, and you have not been told about a delay, you can contact the local authority to ask for an update. You can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk.
There are two possible outcomes at the end of the assessment.
If the decision is yes
If the local authority agrees to issue an EHCP, they should send you a draft EHCP.
This draft sets out the support they think is needed across education, health and social care. You will have time to read it and ask for changes before the plan is finalised. For help on checking the draft, see here
Your child should continue to receive support in school while this is happening.
If the decision is no
If the local authority decides not to issue an EHCP, they must explain their reasons in writing.
This is the point where you gain the right to challenge the decision, including through mediation or appeal. You can read more about this in the appeals section below.
Support in school should continue, even if an EHCP is not issued.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
For help checking a EHCP Draft, these links are helpful.
IPSEA: Checking a draft
SOS!SEN: Checking a draft
SEN Legal: Importance of language
Peer Support: Bristol based Facebook group
By the end of Week 20, the local authority should issue the final Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), if they have decided to issue one.
They should send you the final plan in writing. This is the version that must be put in place.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected in some cases. If the final plan is going to be late, families should be told and kept updated regarding delays.
If you have not received a final plan by week 20, and you have not been told about a delay, you can contact the local authority to ask for an update. You can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk.
Once a final EHCP is issued, the local authority is legally responsible for making sure the support in the plan is delivered.
The plan should clearly set out:
Support in school should continue while arrangements are put in place.
This stage can feel like a relief, or it can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to do everything at once.
It’s okay to ask questions or get advice before taking any next steps. The important thing to note is that if you are unhappy with anything in the final Plan, you only have 2 months to resolve any issues.
If you have not received a final EHCP by Week 20, and you have not been told about a delay, you can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk to ask for an update.
If the final EHCP does not reflect your child’s needs, or if you are unhappy with the named shcool, you have the right to challenge parts of the plan. You do not need to decide what to do straight away, but you must raise any concerns within 2 months. You can find out more in our appeals section.
Once a final EHCP is issued, it should be reviewed regularly. The first review usually takes place within 12 months.
The annual review section explains how annual reviews work and what to expect.
If you need any help once you receive a final EHCP, SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Checking a final Plan
SOS!SEN: Checking a draft
SEN Legal: Importance of language
Peer Support: Bristol based Facebook group
Day 1 is the day an Education, Health and Care needs assessment (EHCNA) is requested.
This request can be made by:
There is a template letter here from IPSEA, which will help you make the request if you would like to make it yourself.
From this day, the local authority’s timescales begin. They should record the date the request was received and start the process.
Your child should continue to get support in school while this is happening.
Once the EHC needs assessment has been submitted, you should:
You might also want to start thinking about whether there are any health professionals who know your child well, such as a paediatrician, therapist, or CAMHS worker. You don’t need to contact anyone yet — this is just to help you feel prepared for the next stages.
You don’t need to send lots of information straight away. More details can be shared later in the process.
If you do not get confirmation that the request has been received, you can follow up and ask for this in writing.
If a school has said they will make the request but you are unsure whether they have done so, you can ask for confirmation or make the request yourself.
The next section explains what should happen in the first few weeks after a request is made.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
You don’t have to work this out on your own. Support is available, and it’s okay to ask for help at any point.
By the end of Week 6, the local authority should decide whether to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.
They should tell you their decision in writing. If they agree to assess, the assessment stage will begin. If they do not agree, they must explain why.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected to make some decisions. If a decision is going to be late, they should let families know and explain what is happening.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while you are waiting.
If you are told there will be a delay, you can ask when you should expect the decision and who to contact if you do not hear back. You could also:
By the end of Week 6, the local authority should decide whether to carry out an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.
They should tell you their decision in writing. There are two possible outcomes at this stage.
If the decision is yes
If the local authority agrees to assess, the EHC needs assessment moves into the next stage.
This is when advice is requested from education, health and social care. This may include information from professionals such as paediatricians, therapists, or CAMHS, if they are involved with your child. If there are health professionals you want advice from, you should ask for it at this stage.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while this is happening.
If the decision is no
If the local authority decides not to carry out an assessment, they must explain their reasons in writing.
This is the point where you gain the right to challenge the decision, including through mediation or appeal. You can read more about this in the appeals section below.
Support in school should continue, even if an assessment is not agreed.
If you have not been contacted by week 6, you can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk and ask for an update.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
You can also get advice from IPSEA here and from SOS!SEN here.
During Weeks 7 to 15, the local authority gathers advice about your child’s needs.
This should include information from education, health and social care.
They may ask for advice from professionals such as teachers, educational psychologists, paediatricians, therapists, or other services involved with your child.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected in some cases. If this stage is going to take longer, families should be told via telephone or letter and kept updated about any delays.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while advice is being gathered.
During this stage, the local authority may contact you to gather information. You don’t need to be proactive or chase things unless you’re asked, but it is important to keep track of the date. This section is here to help you recognise what is normal and what might be helpful.
You should be given enough time to respond, and you should not be asked to gather lots of new evidence at short notice. If something feels unclear or overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for more time or support. You cna also contact us at any stage.
If you are not sure what advice is being gathered, you can ask the local authority for an update. You can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk.
If this stage is taking longer than expected and you have not been told about a delay, you can ask when you should expect the next update.
Delays at this stage do not mean the assessment has stopped. Support in school should continue.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice. We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
By Week 16, the local authority should decide whether they will issue an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
If they decide to issue a plan, they should send you a draft EHCP.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected in some cases. If this decision is going to be late, families should be told either via a phone call or email, and they should be kept updated about any delays.
Your child should continue to receive support in school while you are waiting.
This stage can feel like a big moment. You don’t need to rush or do everything at once. This section is here to help you know what to expect and how to take things step by step.
If you’re unsure, it’s okay to pause and get advice before responding.
By the end of Week 16, the local authority should decide whether to issue an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
If you have not heard anything by Week 16, and you have not been told about a delay, you can contact the local authority to ask for an update. You can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk.
There are two possible outcomes at the end of the assessment.
If the decision is yes
If the local authority agrees to issue an EHCP, they should send you a draft EHCP.
This draft sets out the support they think is needed across education, health and social care. You will have time to read it and ask for changes before the plan is finalised. For help on checking the draft, see here
Your child should continue to receive support in school while this is happening.
If the decision is no
If the local authority decides not to issue an EHCP, they must explain their reasons in writing.
This is the point where you gain the right to challenge the decision, including through mediation or appeal. You can read more about this in the appeals section below.
Support in school should continue, even if an EHCP is not issued.
SEND and You is Bristol’s SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).
They can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
For help checking a EHCP Draft, these links are helpful.
IPSEA: Checking a draft
SOS!SEN: Checking a draft
SEN Legal: Importance of language
Peer Support: Bristol based Facebook group
By the end of Week 20, the local authority should issue the final Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), if they have decided to issue one.
They should send you the final plan in writing. This is the version that must be put in place.
At the moment, Bristol City Council is taking longer than expected in some cases. If the final plan is going to be late, families should be told and kept updated regarding delays.
If you have not received a final plan by week 20, and you have not been told about a delay, you can contact the local authority to ask for an update. You can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk.
Once a final EHCP is issued, the local authority is legally responsible for making sure the support in the plan is delivered.
The plan should clearly set out:
Support in school should continue while arrangements are put in place.
This stage can feel like a relief, or it can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to do everything at once.
It’s okay to ask questions or get advice before taking any next steps. The important thing to note is that if you are unhappy with anything in the final Plan, you only have 2 months to resolve any issues.
If you have not received a final EHCP by Week 20, and you have not been told about a delay, you can contact the SEND team on 0117 922 3700 or email sen@bristol.gov.uk to ask for an update.
If the final EHCP does not reflect your child’s needs, or if you are unhappy with the named shcool, you have the right to challenge parts of the plan. You do not need to decide what to do straight away, but you must raise any concerns within 2 months. You can find out more in our appeals section.
Once a final EHCP is issued, it should be reviewed regularly. The first review usually takes place within 12 months.
The annual review section explains how annual reviews work and what to expect.
If you need any help once you receive a final EHCP, SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Checking a final Plan
SOS!SEN: Checking a draft
SEN Legal: Importance of language
Peer Support: Bristol based Facebook group
Sometimes decisions about an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) don’t feel right. This can be upsetting or confusing, especially when you know your child well and have already shared so much.
An EHCP appeal is a way to ask for a decision to be looked at again. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, and it doesn’t mean you’re being difficult. Appeals are a normal part of the SEND system and are there to help make sure children and young people get the right support.
There are four main types of EHCP appeal:
If an EHC needs assessment is refused
This is when the local authority decides not to assess your child.
If an EHCP is refused after an assessment
This is when an assessment has happened, but no plan is issued.
If you disagree with what’s written in the EHCP
This might be about your child’s needs, the support listed, or the outcomes.
If you disagree with the school or setting named
This is when the placement in the plan doesn’t feel right for your child.
EHCP appeals are meant to be family-friendly. You do not need a solicitor or legal knowledge. Many parent carers speak for themselves and focus on what they know best – their child and what helps them. You can bring a friend, family member, or someone who supports you, and the process is designed to be clear and fair, not scary.
You don’t need to understand everything at once. The sections below explain what should happen, what you can do, what to try if things don’t go to plan, and where to get help and support along the way.
You can click on the sections below to explore the different types of EHCP appeals and what each one means for your family.
Select a tile to reveal information below. Use the Close button to return to tiles.
When you ask the local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment, they must decide within 6 weeks whether to assess or not.
If they decide not to assess, they must:
A refusal to assess should only happen if the local authority believes there is no evidence that your child may have special educational needs and that they may require provision through an EHCP.
The legal threshold for assessment is intentionally low.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
If you disagree with the decision made, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Before you appeal, you must contact a mediation service. The mediation provider for Bristol is Global Mediation. You can contact them on 0800 064 4488
Some families choose mediation because it can:
Others choose not to mediate. Both choices are okay.
You might appeal if:
To prepare, you can gather:
You do not need a diagnosis to appeal. Only families can appeal; schools can not, but they may be able to offer information and support.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
Many families worry about appealing, but the Tribunal process is designed to be independent, fair and child-focused.
If the Tribunal agrees with you, it can order the local authority to carry out an assessment.
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Refusal to assess appeals
SOS!SEN: Appealing a decision
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
Legal Aid: You may be eligible for legal aid to support you through the process
If the local authority agrees to assess, they must complete the process within 20 weeks.
If they decide not to issue an EHCP, they must:
A refusal to issue should only happen if your child’s needs can be met fully without an EHCP.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
If you disagree with the decision made, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Before you appeal, you must contact a mediation service. The mediation provider for Bristol is Global Mediation. You can contact them on 0800 064 4488
Some families choose mediation because it can:
Others choose not to mediate. Both choices are okay.
You might appeal if:
To prepare, you can use:
You do not need a diagnosis to appeal. Only families can appeal; schools can not, but they may be able to offer information and support.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
Families are often told things like:
– “School can meet needs from its own resources”
– “Progress is good enough”
– “Support just needs more time”
Sometimes these statements sound reasonable, but they do not always match what families see day to day.
You may notice that:
If this feels familiar, it does not mean you are asking for too much.
Appealing is not about criticising a school or blaming professionals. It is about asking an independent panel to look at the full picture and decide whether an EHCP is needed to meet your child’s needs.
The SEND Tribunal is designed to be:
You do not need legal language or specialist knowledge.
Your experience as a parent carer matters.
The Tribunal will consider:
If they agree that an EHCP is needed, they can order the local authority to issue one.
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Refusal to issue appeals
SOS!SEN: Appealing a decision
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
Legal Aid: You may be eligible for legal aid to support you through the process
When an EHCP is issued, it should clearly explain:
Section B – your child’s special educational needs
Section F – the support your child needs to meet those needs
Section I – the school or setting your child will attend
The plan should be based on what your child needs to learn, develop and feel safe, not what is easiest to provide.
If any part of the plan does not feel right, you have the right to appeal.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
Section B – needs
You might appeal if:
Section F – provision
You might appeal if:
Support is vague (for example “access to” or “when needed”)
Hours, staffing or specialist input are not clearly set out
Support does not match the needs listed in Section B
Section I – placement
You might appeal if:
The named school or setting cannot meet your child’s needs
Your child is unhappy or struggling where they are
The placement was chosen because it was available, not because it was suitable
You can ask for:
A different mainstream school
A specialist unit or resource base
A special school
An independent or non-maintained special school (in some cases)
Families can name the school or setting they prefer, as long as it can meet their child’s needs.
Mediation – what you need to know
For Sections B and F, you must contact the mediation service first
Mediation is optional
You can choose not to take part and request a certificate
For Section I only, no mediation certificate is needed
You can appeal placement directly if you wish
To prepare for an appeal, you can gather:
Professional reports
Evidence of what helps your child (and what doesn’t)
Information from schools or settings
Your views, and your child’s views
You do not need legal language or a solicitor.
Families are often told things like:
– “The needs are already covered”
– “Support can be adjusted without changing the plan”
– “This placement is the only option available”
Sometimes these explanations do not match real life.
You may see that:
Appealing is not about blaming schools or professionals. It is about asking an independent panel to look at the evidence and decide what is right for your child.
The Tribunal process is:
The panel will listen carefully to:
If the Tribunal agrees with you, it can:
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Content appeal
IPSEA: Section I appeals
IPSEA: Choosing a shcool
SOS!SEN: Appealing a decision
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
Legal Aid: You may be eligible for legal aid to support you through the process
When you ask the local authority to carry out an EHC needs assessment, they must decide within 6 weeks whether to assess or not.
If they decide not to assess, they must:
A refusal to assess should only happen if the local authority believes there is no evidence that your child may have special educational needs and that they may require provision through an EHCP.
The legal threshold for assessment is intentionally low.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
If you disagree with the decision made, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Before you appeal, you must contact a mediation service. The mediation provider for Bristol is Global Mediation. You can contact them on 0800 064 4488
Some families choose mediation because it can:
Others choose not to mediate. Both choices are okay.
You might appeal if:
To prepare, you can gather:
You do not need a diagnosis to appeal. Only families can appeal; schools can not, but they may be able to offer information and support.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
Many families worry about appealing, but the Tribunal process is designed to be independent, fair and child-focused.
If the Tribunal agrees with you, it can order the local authority to carry out an assessment.
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Refusal to assess appeals
SOS!SEN: Appealing a decision
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
Legal Aid: You may be eligible for legal aid to support you through the process
If the local authority agrees to assess, they must complete the process within 20 weeks.
If they decide not to issue an EHCP, they must:
A refusal to issue should only happen if your child’s needs can be met fully without an EHCP.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
If you disagree with the decision made, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
Before you appeal, you must contact a mediation service. The mediation provider for Bristol is Global Mediation. You can contact them on 0800 064 4488
Some families choose mediation because it can:
Others choose not to mediate. Both choices are okay.
You might appeal if:
To prepare, you can use:
You do not need a diagnosis to appeal. Only families can appeal; schools can not, but they may be able to offer information and support.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
Families are often told things like:
– “School can meet needs from its own resources”
– “Progress is good enough”
– “Support just needs more time”
Sometimes these statements sound reasonable, but they do not always match what families see day to day.
You may notice that:
If this feels familiar, it does not mean you are asking for too much.
Appealing is not about criticising a school or blaming professionals. It is about asking an independent panel to look at the full picture and decide whether an EHCP is needed to meet your child’s needs.
The SEND Tribunal is designed to be:
You do not need legal language or specialist knowledge.
Your experience as a parent carer matters.
The Tribunal will consider:
If they agree that an EHCP is needed, they can order the local authority to issue one.
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Refusal to issue appeals
SOS!SEN: Appealing a decision
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
Legal Aid: You may be eligible for legal aid to support you through the process
When an EHCP is issued, it should clearly explain:
Section B – your child’s special educational needs
Section F – the support your child needs to meet those needs
Section I – the school or setting your child will attend
The plan should be based on what your child needs to learn, develop and feel safe, not what is easiest to provide.
If any part of the plan does not feel right, you have the right to appeal.
Time limits
If you want to appeal a decision, you must do so within the time limit, which is generally
Section B – needs
You might appeal if:
Section F – provision
You might appeal if:
Support is vague (for example “access to” or “when needed”)
Hours, staffing or specialist input are not clearly set out
Support does not match the needs listed in Section B
Section I – placement
You might appeal if:
The named school or setting cannot meet your child’s needs
Your child is unhappy or struggling where they are
The placement was chosen because it was available, not because it was suitable
You can ask for:
A different mainstream school
A specialist unit or resource base
A special school
An independent or non-maintained special school (in some cases)
Families can name the school or setting they prefer, as long as it can meet their child’s needs.
Mediation – what you need to know
For Sections B and F, you must contact the mediation service first
Mediation is optional
You can choose not to take part and request a certificate
For Section I only, no mediation certificate is needed
You can appeal placement directly if you wish
To prepare for an appeal, you can gather:
Professional reports
Evidence of what helps your child (and what doesn’t)
Information from schools or settings
Your views, and your child’s views
You do not need legal language or a solicitor.
Families are often told things like:
– “The needs are already covered”
– “Support can be adjusted without changing the plan”
– “This placement is the only option available”
Sometimes these explanations do not match real life.
You may see that:
Appealing is not about blaming schools or professionals. It is about asking an independent panel to look at the evidence and decide what is right for your child.
The Tribunal process is:
The panel will listen carefully to:
If the Tribunal agrees with you, it can:
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Content appeal
IPSEA: Section I appeals
IPSEA: Choosing a shcool
SOS!SEN: Appealing a decision
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
Legal Aid: You may be eligible for legal aid to support you through the process
An annual review is a chance to stop and look at how your child or young person’s EHCP is working in real life. It’s about checking whether the plan still reflects your child their needs, and the support they need now.
Children grow, situations change, and what worked last year may not work in the same way today. Annual reviews are there to make sure the EHCP keeps up with your child, rather than staying the same when things have moved on.
Annual reviews can be used to:
You don’t need to prepare anything complicated, and you don’t need to use special language. Your views and your child’s views matter. You can bring someone with you for support or to take notes, and it’s okay to ask questions or say if something doesn’t feel right.
If changes are agreed, the local authority has legal timescales to follow. If changes are not agreed and you’re worried, there are steps you can take.
Click on the sections below to explore annual reviews in more detail — what should happen, what you can do, what to try if things don’t go to plan, and where to get help and support.
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An annual review should happen at least once a year for every child or young person with an EHCP. The local authority must make sure it takes place, even if a school or setting helps organise it.
Before the review, you should be invited to share your views, and your child or young person should be supported to share theirs in a way that works for them. Reports or information should be gathered so everyone understands what is going well and what is not. The reports must be shared with you at least two weeks in advance.
At the review meeting, people should talk about:
After the review, a report should be written and sent to the local authority. The local authority must then decide whether to keep the EHCP the same, make changes, or end the plan, and let you know their decision within the legal timescale.
You know your child best. Your views matter, even if they feel informal or emotional.
You can:
It can help to think about a few key points you want to raise, but you don’t need to prepare anything complicated.
It’s okay to say if support written in the plan isn’t happening, or if your child’s needs have changed.
If you think new advice is needed, it can help to ask your Inclusion Officer (the person responsible for keeping the EHCP up to date) to request this around 4–5 months before the annual review.
This gives time for the advice to be gathered and shared before the meeting. It won’t always be agreed, but asking early can make the process feel calmer and more joined up.
Sometimes annual reviews don’t happen on time, decisions are delayed, or changes you asked for aren’t made.
If this happens, you can:
If you disagree with a decision after an annual review, you may have the right to challenge it. For more infomration see the appeals section above.
You don’t have to decide what to do straight away, and support is available to help you think it through.
You’re not expected to manage this on your own and it’s okay to ask for help.
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Annual reviews
IPSEA: Annual review checklist
SOS!SEN: Annual reviews
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
An annual review should happen at least once a year for every child or young person with an EHCP. The local authority must make sure it takes place, even if a school or setting helps organise it.
Before the review, you should be invited to share your views, and your child or young person should be supported to share theirs in a way that works for them. Reports or information should be gathered so everyone understands what is going well and what is not. The reports must be shared with you at least two weeks in advance.
At the review meeting, people should talk about:
After the review, a report should be written and sent to the local authority. The local authority must then decide whether to keep the EHCP the same, make changes, or end the plan, and let you know their decision within the legal timescale.
You know your child best. Your views matter, even if they feel informal or emotional.
You can:
It can help to think about a few key points you want to raise, but you don’t need to prepare anything complicated.
It’s okay to say if support written in the plan isn’t happening, or if your child’s needs have changed.
If you think new advice is needed, it can help to ask your Inclusion Officer (the person responsible for keeping the EHCP up to date) to request this around 4–5 months before the annual review.
This gives time for the advice to be gathered and shared before the meeting. It won’t always be agreed, but asking early can make the process feel calmer and more joined up.
Sometimes annual reviews don’t happen on time, decisions are delayed, or changes you asked for aren’t made.
If this happens, you can:
If you disagree with a decision after an annual review, you may have the right to challenge it. For more infomration see the appeals section above.
You don’t have to decide what to do straight away, and support is available to help you think it through.
You’re not expected to manage this on your own and it’s okay to ask for help.
If you need any help SEND and You can help with questions about school support and EHCPs. They offer free, independent advice for families and can support you with understanding your options.
They often come along to our events, and you can also contact them directly for one-to-one advice.
We also sometimes run events focused on EHCPs, including how the process works and what to do if things don’t go to plan. You can check our events page to see what’s coming up. You can also tell us about your experience here.
Other helpful links include:
IPSEA: Annual reviews
IPSEA: Annual review checklist
SOS!SEN: Annual reviews
Peer Support: Bristol-based Facebook group
We know that waiting for an EHCP can be difficult. In Bristol, many families are currently waiting longer than the legal timescales, and the average wait can be over 40 weeks. During this time, it can sometimes be hard to get updates or speak to someone from the SEND team.
While you’re waiting, your child should still be supported. Education, health and social care teams continue to have responsibilities to meet your child’s needs, even if an EHCP is not yet in place. If you’re unsure what support should be happening or how to get help, you can contact us or come along to one of our free events.
The timescales on this page are legal deadlines. At the same time, the local authority is managing a high number of requests and complex needs. Based on recent local information (January 2026), families may experience something like this:
These times are shared to help families understand what can happen in practice. They are a guide, not a guarantee. We update this page every term as this changes.
Bristol City Council recognises the impact of delays on families and is working with partners, including the Parent Carer Forum, to improve the speed and quality of EHCP processes. This includes work on staffing, systems and ways of working. Change takes time, but improvement work is ongoing.
If delays are causing difficulties for your child or family, you can:
If you’re not sure what feels right, support is available to help you think things through. Please do get in touch with us. You can also share your experiences here.
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