Understanding the Annual Review process

Purpose of the review

The annual review is the statutory process of reviewing the needs, provision and outcomes specified in the EHC plan. It enables the local authority to make clear and robust decisions about the quality of the EHC Plan, pathway planning, and decision-making.

The Annual Review of an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) is not just a meeting. It is a process by which the outcomes set out in the EHC Plan and the effectiveness of provision are reviewed alongside all other sections of the EHCP.

EHCPs must be reviewed and the process completed by the local authority (LA) within every 12 months, as a minimum. For pre-schoolers with EHCPs, this review must be within 6 months.

Requesting reviews and reassessments

Requesting an Interim Review

An interim review can be requested by the educational setting, family, or young person if a significant change occurs. Reasons may include:

• concerns about the delivery of educational provision in the EHC Plan,
• attendance,
• access to education,
• or a significant change in the CYP’s presentation. 

The SEND Team will consider these requests.

Requesting a reassessment

An Annual Review can be used to request a reassessment of a CYP. The LA may refuse if:

1. less than 6 months have passed since the last EHC needs assessment
2. if it deems a further assessment unnecessary due to no significant change in the CYP’s needs.

Please send the completed Record of Annual Review document, alongside all other relevant Annual Review documentation, within 2 weeks of the date of the Review meeting to:

• ehcenquiries@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
• The subject line should say: "Annual Review – [CYP’s initials and student ID number]"