County Council making steps to improve plans for children and young people with SEND

Recent data has shown a local and national increase in the number of children and young people requesting, and with, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). An EHCP is a legal document that outlines a child or young person's needs, the support they need to overcome barriers to learning, and the outcomes they would like to achieve.

The total number of children and young people with EHCPs has increased by 21.2% in the last year – going from 4,904 in January 2023 to 5,945 in January 2024. Latest figures from end August 2024 show that there are currently 6,439 children and young people with an EHCP in Worcestershire.

The number of initial requests for an EHCP has also risen – with 1,142 requests made during 2022 and 1,439 made in 2023, an increase of 26%. This is rising even more for 2024 as there have currently been 1,417 initial requests made as of end August.

1,233 new EHCPs were made during 2023 which is nearly double the amount of EHCPs (621) that were made during 2022. 812 new EHCPs have been made as of end August 2024.

Worcestershire County Council has been focused on increasing the number of EHCPs that are issued within the 20-week statutory timeframe. In 2023, 27.7% of new EHCPs were issued within the 20-week timeframe. However, by increasing capacity within the teams who support the coordination and management of EHCPs, the Council is starting to make small steps to improve and, as of end August 2024, 38.1% of EHCPs have been issued on time.

Councillor David Chambers, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education said: “We know there is still a long way to go to improve the timeliness of EHCPs issued on time, but these figures show a step in the right direction. Families are understandably frustrated with the delays and lack of communication they have had.

“We currently have three posts out to advert which will further increase the capacity within our SEND teams in the aim to reduce waiting times and improve both the quality of plans and communication with families.

“In the meantime, we would encourage families who are waiting to book a phone surgery appointment – to ensure you can find a time to talk to your Casework Officer about the progress of your EHCP.”

More information about the activity taking place to improve SEND services following the 2024 Ofsted and CQC inspection can be found on the SEND Local Offer website.