If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), there will be a yearly review to check how things are going. This is called an Annual Review. The Annual Review is a chance to look at your child’s progress, celebrate what’s going well, and talk about any changes that might be needed to their EHCP. It helps make sure the support your child receives still matches their needs. 

As your child grows and develops, their needs might change. The Annual Review makes sure that their EHCP is still the right fit for them. It’s also a chance for you and your child (if they want to) to share your views and be heard.

The first review must take place within 12 months of the EHCP being issued. After that, there must be a review every 12 months.

For children under 5, reviews can happen every 3 to 6 months if needed.

The Annual Review is usually organised by your child’s school, nursery or college.

You will be invited to a meeting with:

• You (as the parent/carer)
  
• Your child (if they want to take part)
  
• A SENCO or key staff from the setting
  
• Professionals who support your child (like speech therapists or educational psychologists) 

After the Annual Review meeting, the school or setting writes a report and sends it to Croydon’s SEND Team.

The local authority will review all the information and decide if the EHCP:

• Will stay the same
  
• Will be amended (changed)
  
• Will cease (if your child no longer needs it)
  

You must be given the decision within 4 weeks of the meeting. 

If you disagree with the local authority’s decision, you have the right to appeal.

 You can appeal if you are unhappy with:

• A decision not to amend the EHCP
  
• A decision to amend the EHCP, but you disagree with the changes
  
• A decision to end the EHCP altogether 

You can get help and advice from:

• Croydon SENDIASS - an impartial support service for families.
• Your child’s SENCo or caseworker - who can help explain decisions and next steps.
• Independent mediation services (Global Mediation) - the local authority must offer this, and details will be shared with you in writing when a decision is made - Global Mediation - Mediation Services in London & Nationwide
  

You also have the option to ask for mediation before going to tribunal. Please click here for more information.

Guidance Notes for the Review Document and Process

EHCP Annual Review Template

EHCP Annual Review Timeline Guidance