EHCP Help / Advice & next steps
EHCP 20-week deadline: what should happen and what to do if it is delayed
Deadlines can feel confusing. Start with the dates shown in your own letters and build a simple timeline.
Quick answer
Where an EHC plan is going to be issued, the process should normally finish within 20 weeks of the local authority receiving the EHC needs assessment request. This is not a guarantee that every request results in a plan: there is an earlier decision about whether to assess, and a later decision about whether to issue. Some statutory exceptions can affect timescales.
What this means
The 20-week point is part of a sequence, not one single deadline. The local authority normally decides whether to assess within six weeks of receiving the request. If it assesses, it gathers advice and decides whether to issue an EHC plan; where it proposes a plan, families should receive a draft and have at least 15 days to comment, request a meeting and express an education-setting preference. A final plan should normally be issued by week 20 where a plan is to be issued. If the process seems delayed, ask the local authority in writing for an update, the current stage, the next decision and whether it considers a statutory exception to apply. Keep copies of letters and emails, including the date the authority received the original request. Continue to work with school on SEN Support rather than waiting for the process to finish. The calculator gives indicative dates based on the standard process. It cannot determine how the rules apply to an individual case.
Record when requests, advice, draft documents and decisions were sent or received. Keep school records and professional advice alongside that timeline, because missing information can explain what is outstanding and may matter if you later seek advice about delay or a decision.
Ask the local authority to confirm the stage, the next action and who is responsible. GOV.UK and the SEND Code of Practice are useful national starting points; SENDIASS or IPSEA can help you understand how the rules may apply to your situation. Northamptonshire families should use the relevant West or North Northamptonshire route.
What to do next
Record the date of each request and decision.
Save every official letter.
Add follow-up reminders to your calendar.
Ask the local authority to confirm the current stage.
Seek independent advice if a deadline is unclear or appears to have passed.
Check your indicative EHCP dates with our free EHCP Timeline Calculator.
Things to check
Which letter contains the latest decision?
When was the request received?
Are reports or responses still outstanding?
Has the local authority explained any delay?
Is there a date for responding or challenging a decision?
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. Check your indicative EHCP dates with our free EHCP Timeline Calculator at /ehcp-timeline-calculator.
Support that may help
SEND advocate · Independent SEND adviser · School SENCO
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.