Access Compass guide
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) annual reviews: how to prepare and what happens next
Get the most from your child's EHC plan annual review. The council must review the plan at least every 12 months. This guide shows how to prepare, what the council must do after the meeting, what to do if you disagree, and how reviews change from Year 9.
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Who it's for: Parents & carers, Children & young people, Professionals
Source checked automatically Last checked 6 Oct 2026. Review due 5 Nov 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Prepare before the meeting
The meeting organiser must give at least two weeks' notice of the date. Information gathered for the review should be sent to everyone invited 2 weeks before the meeting. Collect reports from school and therapists, look at progress against the outcomes in the plan, and write down what is and is not working. The review must take account of your child's views, wishes and feelings, so ask your child what they think. If someone cannot come, they can send a report or their views.
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Review the plan in the meeting
The review must look at your child's progress towards the outcomes in the plan, and whether those outcomes still fit. It must look at the special educational provision made and the difference it has made. If health and social care help is in the plan, it must look at that too. Check that the plan still matches what your child needs now. Say clearly what has changed.
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Ask for changes
After the meeting, the school sends a copy of the report to the council, to parents and to everyone invited. Within 4 weeks of the review meeting, the council must decide whether to keep the plan as it is, amend it, or stop maintaining it. It will then tell you and the school or college. If it agrees to amend the plan, it will start without delay. Ask for the changes you think are needed, such as more help, and give your evidence.
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If you want a different school
If you think your child needs a different school, ask your allocated case worker or SEN officer how to ask for a change. Say what has changed and why you think the school no longer meets your child's needs. If a change is proposed, ask about visits and how the move will be planned.
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If you disagree with the decision
If the council decides not to make the changes you asked for, or to stop the plan, it will give you information on your right to appeal, the time limits for appealing and the requirement to consider mediation. Read the decision letter carefully and write down the dates. If the time limit is not clear, ask the council in writing. Parents, carers and young people have the legal right to appeal in certain situations. The council has a page on mediation and disagreement resolution.
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Plan for adulthood
Reviews from Year 9 at the latest must focus on preparing for adulthood, including employment, independent living and taking part in society. Year 9 reviews should look at options and choices for the next phase of education. The meeting organiser should invite people from post-16 colleges or other places, especially if the young person wants to go to a particular one. In earlier years, ask the school how it will plan the move to the next school.