What is an Annual Review?
Every child with an EHCP must have their plan reviewed at least once a year. This annual review is your opportunity to ensure the EHCP accurately reflects your child's current needs and that the provision specified is actually being delivered.
The annual review isn't just a formality - it's a crucial checkpoint where you can request amendments to the plan if your child's needs have changed or if the current provision isn't working.
When Should You Request Support?
Consider getting advocacy support for your annual review if:
- Your child's needs have changed significantly since the last review
- The school isn't delivering the provision specified in the EHCP
- You're concerned about transition (to a new school, further education, or adulthood)
- You want to request changes to Sections B, F, or I
- The school has proposed reducing provision and you disagree
- You feel your voice isn't heard in previous reviews
- You're considering changing schools and want to discuss this formally
Year 9 Reviews Are Especially Important
The annual review in Year 9 focuses on transition planning for post-16 education, training, or employment. This review sets the direction for your child's future, making it particularly crucial to get right.
The Annual Review Process
6 Weeks Before: Preparation
The school's role: The school must send out review invitations and request reports from all relevant professionals.
Your role:
- Review the current EHCP (all sections)
- Gather evidence of progress or lack thereof
- Note what's working and what isn't
- Consider whether your child's needs have changed
- Draft your parental contribution
How we help: We review your EHCP with you, help identify what needs updating, guide you on evidence to gather, and support you in writing a clear, effective parental contribution.
2 Weeks Before: Reports Circulation
What happens: The school circulates reports from teachers, SENCo, and other professionals to all attendees.
What to do:
- Read all reports carefully
- Note any inaccuracies or concerns
- Identify gaps in reporting
- Prepare questions for the meeting
How we help: We review all reports, highlight key points, identify areas of concern or disagreement, and help you prepare targeted questions.
The Review Meeting
Who attends:
- Parent/carer (you)
- School representative (usually the SENCo)
- Local authority representative (may attend)
- Relevant professionals (e.g., speech therapist, educational psychologist)
- Young person (if appropriate)
- Advocate/supporter (if requested)
What's discussed:
- Progress towards EHCP outcomes
- Whether current provision is appropriate
- Whether needs have changed
- Any proposed amendments to the plan
- Transition planning (if relevant)
How we help: We can attend the meeting with you, help you present your views clearly, ask important questions on your behalf, and ensure all your concerns are properly recorded.
After the Meeting
Within 2 weeks: The school sends the completed review paperwork to the local authority.
Within 4 weeks: The LA must inform you whether they will amend the EHCP, and if so, how.
Your rights: If you disagree with the LA's decision not to amend, or with their proposed amendments, you can request mediation or appeal to the SEND Tribunal.
How we help: We review the review outcomes, advise on next steps, and support with requesting amendments or challenging decisions if needed.
What to Check: Kate's Annual Review Checklist
Section B: Special Educational Needs
Does this still accurately describe your child's needs? Have any new needs emerged? Are any needs no longer relevant?
Section F: Special Educational Provision
Is the provision being delivered as specified? Is it still appropriate? Does it need increasing, decreasing, or changing?
Section I: Placement
Is the current school still appropriate? Is a change needed? Are transition arrangements adequate?
Section E & H: Outcomes
Have the outcomes been achieved? Do they need updating? Are they still ambitious yet realistic?
Common Issues at Annual Reviews
- Provision not delivered: The school hasn't provided support as specified in Section F
- Reduced provision proposed: School wants to reduce support despite ongoing needs
- Outdated outcomes: Targets don't reflect current priorities or ambitions
- Lack of progress: Outcomes haven't been met but no one is questioning why
- Transition not addressed: Moving to secondary/post-16 but no planning in place
- Parent voice ignored: Your concerns aren't being taken seriously
How We Support You
Our annual review support comes in flexible packages to suit your needs:
Pre-Review Consultation (£55/hour)
Ideal if you just need guidance on preparation:
- Review of current EHCP
- Advice on what to raise at the meeting
- Help with drafting your parental contribution
- Suggested questions to ask
Full Preparation Support (£200)
Comprehensive pre-meeting support including:
- Detailed EHCP review
- Analysis of all professional reports
- Drafting parental contribution
- Preparation of questions and talking points
- Briefing call before the meeting
Meeting Attendance (£55/hour + £45 travel within 10 miles)
We attend the annual review with you:
- Present your views clearly
- Ask questions on your behalf
- Ensure concerns are properly recorded
- Challenge inaccuracies or inappropriate proposals
- Provide notes of the meeting
Complete Annual Review Package (£280)
Full support from preparation through to outcomes:
- All preparation support (as above)
- Attendance at the annual review meeting
- Review of meeting outcomes
- Advice on amendments and next steps
- Support with requesting amendments (if needed)
What Parents vs. Advocates Do
Your Role as Parent
You know your child better than anyone. You provide the day-to-day insights, describe how needs manifest at home, explain what works and what doesn't, and advocate from a place of deep knowledge and love.
Kate's Role as Advocate
I bring legal and procedural expertise, help organize your thoughts into clear evidence, ask strategic questions that professionals must answer, identify when provision falls short of legal requirements, and ensure your voice is heard and recorded properly.
Together
We make a powerful team. Your knowledge + professional advocacy support = the best outcomes for your child.
Free Resource: 20 Questions to Ask
We've created a free guide to help you prepare for your annual review. Download our "20 Questions to Ask at an Annual Review" resource from our products page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring an advocate to the annual review?
Yes. You have the right to bring an advocate, friend, or family member to support you at the annual review. The school must be informed in advance.
What if the school hasn't delivered the provision in the EHCP?
This is a serious issue. The EHCP is legally binding, and the school must deliver what's specified. Raise this at the annual review and request it's recorded. If it continues, you can complain to the LA or consider requesting a change of placement.
Can I request an early annual review?
Yes. If your child's needs have changed significantly or there's an urgent issue, you can request an early review. The school or LA can also request one.
Related Services
- EHCP Assessment Support - For initial EHCP requests
- EHCP Appeals Support - If amendments are refused
- SEND Tribunal Support - If you need to appeal decisions
Get Support for Your Annual Review
Book a consultation to discuss your upcoming annual review and how we can help ensure the best outcomes for your child.
Book a Consultation