Your Annual EHCP Review Checklist: Be Prepared, Stay in Control
Your child’s EHCP must be reviewed at least once a year. The annual review is your chance to update the plan, challenge provision that isn’t working, and push for better outcomes. But too many parents go in unprepared. This checklist ensures you walk into that meeting ready.
What Is an Annual Review?
The annual review is a meeting convened by your child’s school (or setting) to review the EHCP and decide whether it still accurately describes your child’s needs and the provision required. After the meeting, the school sends a report to the local authority, which must decide within 4 weeks whether to:
- Maintain the EHCP as it is
- Amend the EHCP (with proposed changes)
- Cease (end) the EHCP
If they decide to amend, they must issue a draft amended EHCP within 8 weeks.
⚠️ Know the timelines
• Annual review must happen within 12 months of the last review
• Year 5 review must happen by 15 February to prepare for secondary transfer
• Year 9 review must focus on preparation for adulthood
• 4 weeks for the LA to decide the outcome after the review meeting
• 8 weeks for the LA to issue a draft amended plan
Before the Review: Your Preparation Checklist
📋 4 Weeks Before
- Re-read the current EHCP— Go through every section. Highlight anything that’s inaccurate, outdated, or too vague
- Request professional reports— Ask the school for the latest assessments from the SENCO, class teacher, speech therapist, OT, or educational psychologist. These should be circulated before the meeting, not presented on the day
- Write your own report— As a parent, you have the right (and should be invited) to submit a written contribution. Describe your child’s progress, ongoing difficulties, and what’s working or not working
- Gather your child’s views— The EHCP is about your child. Help them express their views about school, what they enjoy, what they find difficult, and what they want to change. Use pictures, drawings, or a conversation — whatever works for them
📋 1 Week Before
- Check who’s attending— Confirm the invite list includes everyone who should be there: you, the SENCO, class teacher, any involved therapists, and the LA representative (if attending). You can also bring a supporter (friend, advocate, or SENDIASS adviser)
- Prepare your questions— Write a list of specific questions you want answered at the meeting (see the question bank below)
- Review last year’s outcomes— Check whether the outcomes (goals) set last year have been met, partially met, or not met. This is the most important part of the review
Questions to Ask at the Review
Use these as a starting point. Adapt them to your child’s specific situation:
🎯 Key questions for the review meeting
1. Which outcomes from last year have been fully met?
2. Which outcomes have not been met, and why?
3. Is the provision in Section F being delivered in full? If not, what’s been missed and why?
4. Does the current description of needs in Section B still accurately reflect my child?
5. Are there any new needs that have emerged since the last review?
6. What new outcomes are being proposed for the coming year?
7. Is the current placement still meeting my child’s needs?
8. What transition planning is being done (Year 5, Year 9, or Year 11+)?
9. Are there any health or social care needs that should be added to Sections C, D, G, or H?
10. What is the timeline for the LA to respond to this review?
During the Review: Tips for the Meeting
- Take notes— Or bring someone who can take notes for you. The school will produce minutes, but having your own record is important
- Stay outcome-focused— Don’t let the meeting become a general chat about how your child is “doing well.” Focus on whether outcomes are being met and provision is being delivered
- Challenge vague language— If someone says your child “has access to” support, ask: how many hours per week? Delivered by whom? How is it measured?
- Don’t agree under pressure— You do not need to agree to anything on the day. If changes are proposed that you’re unsure about, say you need time to consider and will respond in writing
- Record your disagreements— If you disagree with anything discussed, state it clearly and ask for it to be recorded in the minutes
After the Review: Follow-Up Checklist
- Request the minutes— The school should send you the review report within 2 weeks. Check it matches what was actually discussed
- Chase the LA decision— The local authority has 4 weeks to decide whether to maintain, amend, or cease the EHCP. If you don’t hear, chase them in writing
- Review any proposed amendments— If the LA issues a draft amended EHCP, you have 15 days to comment and request changes
- Appeal if needed— If the LA refuses to amend the EHCP despite evidence that it needs updating, you have the right to appeal to the SEND Tribunal
What If Your Review Is Overdue?
Many local authorities are behind on annual reviews. If your child’s review is overdue:
- Write to the school and LA requesting the review be scheduled immediately
- Reference the SEND Code of Practice 9.166, which requires reviews within 12 months
- Contact your SENDIASS for support in chasing the review
- If the LA consistently fails to review, consider a complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
How Trisende Helps
Trisende makes annual review preparation easier:
- Store your child’s EHCP and all supporting documents in one secure profile
- Use our AI-powered EHCP tools to analyse your child’s plan and identify gaps
- Find independent professionals for up-to-date assessments
- Search 24,600+ schools if you’re considering a placement change
- Connect with SEND charities and advocacy organisations for review support