Annual reviews of EHC plans: guidance and process

Find out about the requirements for reviewing education, health and care (EHC) plans from the SEND Code of Practice, including who should conduct the review in your school and how to carry it out. Plus, see examples of local authority guidance and templates.

Last reviewed on 27 March 2023
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 11229
Contents
  1. EHC plan reviews must happen at least once a year
  2. How to conduct a review
  3. Where necessary, request an early review
  4. Examples of LA guidance and forms

EHC plan reviews must happen at least once a year

This means:

  • The first review must happen 12 months after the plan was issued, at the latest
  • Subsequent reviews must happen 12 months after the last review, at the latest
  • If the child or young person’s circumstances change significantly, a new review can be requested before 12 months have elapsed (see section below on early reviews)

Note: in the EYFS reviews should occur at least every 3 to 6 months (see paragraph 9.178 of the SEND code of practice).

The local authority (LA) has overall responsibility for reviewing the plans

But in practice your LA is likely to ask you to arrange the annual review meetings on its behalf. 

The LA can only delegate responsibility for review meetings. It can't delegate responsibility for:

  • EHC reassessments
  • Amendments to EHC plans

Your SENCO should be responsible

Chair review

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