EHCP Deadline Tracker

The EHCP process can be a little overwhelming, with so many steps and statutory deadlines to follow. This EHCP timeline calculator was created to make things simpler. Enter the date you asked for an EHC needs assessment and it will show you the key deadlines for each stage of the process. You can also save these key dates straight to your phone's calendar as a reminder.

Calculate EHCP Deadlines

Find your EHCP deadlines

How to use this tool

Enter the date your council received your request for an EHC needs assessment (usually the date you sent the request). The calculator will show the key statutory deadlines in the 20-week process, starting from that date.

Date of Request

Please choose a valid date.

Show Deadlines

Reset

About this calculator

This calculator was made by Oliver’s parents for families in England. It gives a rough guide to EHCP deadlines based on the date you asked for an assessment. It isn’t legal advice, so please check your own paperwork. If you notice anything that looks wrong, let us know.

EHCP Timeline Results

Here are the latest dates your council must meet under SEND law. Councils can act sooner but not later.

Request received

The date your council officially received your EHC needs assessment request.

From this point, the 20-week legal timeline starts.

Decision to assess

By this date (week 6) the council must tell you whether they will carry out an assessment.

If they refuse, you have the right to appeal.

Decision about the plan

By this date (week 16) the council must tell you whether they will issue an EHCP.

If they refuse, you have the right to appeal.

Final EHCP due

By this date (week 20) the final EHCP must be issued.

If you disagree with the contents of the final plan and/or the school named, you can appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions.

When should the draft EHCP be issued?

There’s no legal deadline for the council to send the draft. But to meet the 20-week final deadline and still give you 15 days to comment, independent advice says the draft should be issued by around 14 weeks from your request.

“There is no deadline for the LA to send the draft plan. However, in order to meet the deadline to send the final plan, it will need to send out the draft a maximum of 14 weeks from the date the assessment request was received” – ipsea.org.uk

Why this matters: Hertfordshire’s flowchart shows the draft being issued any time between week 16 and week 20. This makes little sense, since parents should get 15 days to review and request changes, and the proposed school is also entitled to 15 days. Issuing the draft so late makes it virtually impossible to complete both before the week 20 final deadline.

When should the final EHCP be issued?

The final EHCP should be issued within 20 weeks from the date the EHC needs assessment was requested.

How long do parents have to comment on a draft EHCP?

Parents are entitled to 15 days to review the draft, suggest changes, and request a meeting if needed.

How long does the proposed school have to respond to an EHCP consultation?

The school is given 15 days to reply to the consultation and confirm whether they can meet the child’s needs. Though, school holidays may cause a delay.

What if the council misses the 20-week deadline?

It is a breach of the statutory timescales. Parents can raise a complaint, and if the delay continues, escalate to the Local Government Ombudsman or Tribunal.

Can the council delay beyond 20 weeks?

Only in limited cases. For example, if the child or parent is away for 4+ weeks, the school is closed for summer holidays, or there are serious personal circumstances. Being “too busy” is not a reason.
Read more: educationlawadvice.com

Can the council consult schools before parents have seen the draft?

Unless you have agreed, no. Parents should get the draft first and have 15 days to comment and suggest a school before any consultation takes place. Hertfordshire seems to take the approach to send the draft to parents and the school at the same time, which makes little sense and undermines the consultation process.