EHCP Help / Advice & next steps
EHCP annual review: how to prepare and what should happen next
The review is a chance to check whether the plan still reflects current needs and whether agreed support is happening.
Quick answer
An annual review checks whether the EHCP still describes the child’s needs, outcomes, provision and placement accurately. Read the current plan alongside what is happening in practice, send concise views and evidence before the meeting where possible, and ask what actions and timescales will follow.
What this means
An annual review is not simply a school progress meeting. It should consider whether the plan remains suitable, including needs, outcomes, special educational provision, progress and any change in placement or transition. Start with the current EHCP and highlight wording that is no longer accurate, provision that is missing or unclear, and outcomes that need revising. Bring specific examples: support that has or has not happened, progress, attendance, wellbeing, reports and the child or young person’s views. Ask who will record the meeting, what evidence will be sent to the local authority and when you will receive the report. Keep the final review paperwork with the plan. The local authority, not the school alone, makes formal decisions to maintain, amend or cease an EHCP after the review process. If you receive a decision you disagree with, check the letter and its appeal information promptly.
Gather school reviews, examples of progress or difficulty, attendance information, updated professional advice and the child or young person’s views. Record where provision has been delivered, where it has not, and whether outcomes or support need to become more specific.
Ask for clear meeting notes, recommendations, responsibilities and next dates. GOV.UK and the SEND Code of Practice explain the statutory framework, while SENDIASS or IPSEA can help families prepare. Independent advice may be useful where needs or provision are disputed or a major transition is approaching.
What to do next
Read the current plan before the meeting.
Write down changes in need or circumstances.
Gather recent reports and examples.
Share your views before the review where possible.
Ask for clear actions, owners and follow-up dates.
Things to check
Has all provision in the plan been delivered?
Are outcomes still appropriate?
Are recent school and professional reports available?
Have your child’s views been included?
Is a transition or change of placement approaching?
Questions to ask
What support or decision is currently in place?
What evidence has been considered or may still be missing?
What is the next action, who is responsible and when should it happen?
Local Northamptonshire route
Families in Northamptonshire can check the relevant local authority SEND route for West Northamptonshire or North Northamptonshire. Local SENDIASS services can offer free, impartial information and support.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Many families use free information and school support first. Professional help is optional and may be useful if evidence is complicated, communication has stalled or you want help understanding your choices.
What happens next?
Your next step depends on the decision or stage you are at. Keep records, confirm actions in writing and use free advice before deciding whether additional support would help.
Support that may help
School SENCO · SEND advocate · Educational psychologist · Relevant therapist
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.