The process for getting an Education, Health and Care Plan

Education Settings should meet with parents at least 3 times a year and they are responsible for ensuring that the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is delivered throughout the year. Ultimately the local authority is responsible for ensuring the child or young person receives the provision specified. The purpose of an Annual Review is to ensure that at least once a year the parents, pupil, local authority, school and all the professionals involved monitor and evaluate the continued effectiveness and relevance of the provision set out in the Statement or Education, Health and Care Plan. The meeting should:

• consider progress by the pupil towards the objectives of the Statement or the Outcomes in the EHCP
• consider if the Statement or EHCP requires amendment, and if so, how
• discuss and set new targets and review progress towards the agreed Outcomes
• ensure that any phase transitions such as transfer from nursery (FS1) to reception (FS2); primary to secondary school or 14 to 19 transition requirements are considered and followed according to the timeline set out in the SEND Code of Practice

Here is an animation for children, young people and parents to help understand the process.

The Council for Disabled Children have developed a guide to annual reviews for parent carers.