EHCP Annual Review Improvement Project - Frequently Asked Questions

An Annual Review is a statutory, yearly process to check whether your child or young person’s EHCP is still meeting their needs and supporting their progress towards their goals and aspirations. It is an opportunity for families, education settings, and professionals to work together and ensure the Plan remains relevant.

SEND Code of Practice states:

• They (EHCPs) must be reviewed by the local authority as a minimum every 12 months.
• Reviews must focus on the child or young person’s progress towards achieving the outcomes specified in the EHC plan.
• The review must also consider whether these outcomes and supporting targets remain appropriate.

SEND Code of Practice 0-25 years - January 2015 – 9.166

Education settings (schools, colleges, etc.):

• Arrange and host the Annual Review meeting.
• Gather up-to-date advice from professionals.
• Request and share the views of the child or young person and their family.
• Send the Annual Progress Review template to the Local Authority within two weeks of the meeting.

The Local Authority (LA):

• Decides whether to keep the EHCP unchanged, amend it, or propose to cease it.
• Must inform the family, child/young person, and education setting of the decision within four weeks of the meeting.
• Remains responsible for all statutory duties.

There are no plans to place additional responsibilities on education settings under the new system. Training materials are available to support all involved.

• Approach 1: For children and young people approaching a phase transfer or where significant changes are needed.
• Approach 2: For those whose provision is stable and appropriate, with no major changes expected.

The type of review helps the Local Authority decide whether to:

• Maintain the EHCP without changes (Annual Progress Review)
• Amend the EHCP (Transition and Change Review)
• Cease the EHCP

Your EHCP Coordinator will work with you and the school or setting to decide the most suitable approach. Your views are important and will always be considered.

Yes. Every EHCP must be reviewed at least once a year. However, it is not necessary or appropriate to amend every plan every year.

Parent carers and children/young people are invited to complete a parental contribution form and the ‘My Life, My Review’ booklet. These are discussed during the review and help shape future outcomes. You can choose how your child or young person participates in their review meeting.

Yes. Forms can be provided in paper or digital format. You can request copies from your school or EHCP Coordinator.

The Local Authority has a Quality and Assurance Framework to drive continuous improvement. Guidance is provided to ensure all contributions are meaningful, statutory requirements are met, and amended plans are completed in a timely way.

Education settings manage the Annual Review process on behalf of the Local Authority, which holds overall accountability and will monitor and review the new system.

Speak to your school SENCO in the first instance. They can discuss with the Local Authority whether an early review is needed.

The new process prioritises updating plans for the most vulnerable learners and those going through key transitions.

This is a focused review when a child or young person is moving between key stages. It ensures the plan reflects future needs.

Yes. The Local Authority is committed to an Annual Review for every EHCP, with a focus on those at key transition points.

They will be reviewed under Approach 1 to prepare for their next placement.

Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) is a significant part of a young person’s education. The new Annual Review process includes a focus on outcomes for independence, post-16 education, employment, and a sense of self, with the young person having a stronger voice in their plan.

• Your school SENCO is your first point of contact.
• Bromley IASS (Information, Advice and Support Service)
• SEND Local Offer
• SEN Admin Team: senadmin@bromley.gov.uk | 020 8313 4739

Yes. Your EHCP Coordinator or SENCO can help. Bromley Council is working to improve clarity and access to support.

Only authorised staff involved in the EHCP process. Data is handled in line with GDPR and Bromley’s privacy policies.

• Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy
• Education privacy notice and GDPR statement

Only what is necessary to support the review and planning process. You can ask for details from your EHCP Coordinator.

Raise your concerns with the SENCO and EHCP Coordinator. Bromley Council will work with the school to address your concerns.

Yes. Bromley Council is strengthening connections with external services to improve outcomes.

Yes. Their EHCP Coordinator remains the main point of contact.

Yes. Schools with Bromley-resident children and young people will be informed.

We try to offer a mix of daytime and evening, in-person and online sessions. Daytime events are usually 10am–2pm to fit around school runs. We recognise the need to offer evening sessions for working parents.

Bromley is reviewing communication systems and increasing service capacity through recruitment and training.