Main statutory deadlines for assessments, draft plans, final plans and appeals
The EHCP process is governed by statutory timescales. The whole assessment-and-plan process should normally take no more than 20 weeks, subject to specific legal exceptions.
Main Timeline
6 weeks
Decision whether to assess.
16 weeks
Decision whether to issue a plan after assessment.
15 days
At least 15 days to comment on a draft.
20 weeks
Normal maximum to issue the final plan.
Important
If a council says a statutory deadline does not apply, ask which legal exception it relies on.
Annual Reviews & Appeals
Annual review
Normally at least every 12 months; the authority must notify its decision within four weeks of the review meeting.
Appeal deadline
Normally two months from the decision letter or one month from the mediation certificate, whichever is later.
Right First Time UK Information Notice
General information and signposting only. Right First Time UK is not a local authority, school, SEND Tribunal, law firm or regulated legal advice service. This guide primarily concerns England.