How often do reviews take place

We must review an EHC plan at least once every 12 months. The first review meeting should take place ten months after an EHC plan is issued.

A review may take place sooner than 12 months if:

your child is transferring to a new school or college
there has been a significant change in their health, care or educational needs which affects the support they require

Where a review meeting is due to take place during a school holiday, we would expect schools to take the necessary steps to bring the meeting forward.

What is a significant change

As your child grows and develops, we would expect small changes which affect how the school supports them. However, if there are changes that affect their education, we may need to amend their EHC plan. The changes include:

health needs
social care needs
the educational progression of your child
the support no longer being suitable or required

If you think there has been a significant change, please talk to your school or education provider about having a review.

Education, health and care (EHC) plans

Step 1
If you feel that your child is not making progress, you might be considering requesting an EHC needs assessment - but, the quickest way to get some extra support for your child is to speak to staff at their school, college or education setting. We'd always recommend having these conversations before proceeding with a request for assessment.
Step 2
Follow our guidance on how to make a request, who should be involved in making the request and what happens once you have submitted it. We must give you a decision about whether or not we'll carry out an assessment within six weeks of your request.
Step 3
Find out more about what happens if we agree to carry out an assessment. We must tell you whether or not we will issue an EHC plan within 16 weeks of your request.
Step 4
The Local Authority will create a draft EHC plan and send you a copy. You will have 15 calendar days to give your suggested amendments and views before a final plan is issued. We must issue a final EHC plan within 20 weeks of your original request.
Step 5
Over time, your child’s needs may change. We will review their EHC plan each year as a minimum to ensure it continues to meet their needs.
Step 6
Find out more about what will happen if you need to transfer an EHC plan into or out of Devon.
1. Transferring an EHC plan

What is a significant change

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Get in touch

Partner websites

DiAS (Devon Information Advice and Support)

Support for schools and settings

Children and Family Health Devon

Parent Carer Forum Devon