Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP)

Annual Reviews

South Tyneside Council must review Education Health and Care Plans every year.

This is usually referred to as the 'Annual Review'.

You can also request a review of your child's plan if you feel that their needs have changed significantly.

In some cases, the Council may need to reassess your child's needs.

In South Tyneside, the school / setting usually leads the annual review process.

Annual Review training is available to adults who have a role within the Annual Review process.

Timescales

The review must be completed within a year of when the plan was first issued, or within a year of the last review.

  • Children aged 0 to 5 years
    If your child is aged between 0 to 5 years, plans should be reviewed at least every 6 months.
  • Children moving to a secondary school / setting
    Annual reviews must take place and be completed by 15 February in the year the child is transferring. The named setting, or type of setting, must be included in Section I of their final EHCP.
  • From year 9
    From year 9, the annual reviews must look at the 4 areas of Preparing for Adulthood:
    • Education training / employment
    • Independent living
    • Friends, relationships and community
    • Good health
  • Post 16 education
    Annual Reviews must take place and be completed by 31st of March in the year the child is transferring. The named setting, or type of setting, must be included in Section I of their final EHCP.

Annual Review process

Stage 1

The meeting host (usually the school / setting) will write to you / the young person, to let you know that it's time for an Annual Review.

They will ask you to contribute your views, wishes and feelings.

This should include your view of the current arrangements, and if you feel any changes should be made to the EHCP.

They must also write to all professionals involved with your child / young person.

All reports should be sent to the meeting host within 2 weeks of the request being made.

Stage 2

The meeting host will send invitations to everyone to attend an Annual Review, giving at least 2 weeks' notice.

They will invite you and your child, and usually invite the same people that have been contacted for advice.

Other people may be invited, if it is felt that their help or contribution may be needed.

The meeting host must send copies of all reports that they have received with the meeting invitation.

Stage 3

The review meeting should be held in the style of a 'Person Centred Planning Meeting'.

It must:

  • fully involve you and the child / young person
  • consider your views, wishes and feelings
  • ask you to help make decisions

Stage 4

After the meeting, a report will be produced that includes any recommendations and changes to be made to the EHCP.

Any differences of opinion should also be presented.

This must be sent to everyone who was invited to the review meeting, and South Tyneside Council, within 2 weeks of the meeting taking place.

Stage 5

When the Council receives the report, it must decide whether:

  • no changes are needed to the EHCP
  • the EHCP needs to be changed
  • the EHCP should be ceased

The Council will let you know the decision within 4 weeks of the annual review meeting, and no later than the anniversary of the first EHCP or last review meeting.

Sharing your views

Giving your views is essential to the review process.

You and your child / young person will be asked for your views at each review.

Parents and carers

If you are a parent / carer, or if are acting on behalf of someone, you can use the following form to give your views about your child / young person:

Parent / carer Annual Review form

Or, you can provide your views in writing.

For more information about annual reviews and how to share your views, see:

Parent / carer guide: Annual Reviews

Children and young people

Children and young people have told us that they would like different forms to meet their different needs.

Together we have produced 3 different 'All About Me' forms, and young people can choose which one they would like to complete.

Children and young people are normally asked by their school / setting to share their views.

If you would like your child to share their views at home, they can use one of these forms:

'All About Me' (with Makaton)

'All About Me' (Illustrated)

'All About Me' (plain)

Young people aged over 14 are asked to consider their views in preparing for adulthood. 

Young people can use this form to share their views:

'All About Me' (Year 9 interactive)

Where to send your completed form

You can send your form to the host of the review meeting.

Or, you can send it directly to the SEN Team by emailing sen@southtyneside.gov.uk, or by post to:

SEND Services
Children, Adults & Health
Town Hall & Civic Offices
Westoe Road
South Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE33 2RL

If you need to contact the SEN Team by phone call 0191 424 7410.

You can also contact SENDIASS for independent information, advice and support.

Annual Review Training

Council For Disabled Children are offering free training for adults involved in the Annual Review process.

The course will help you understand the importance of a person-centred Annual Review process and meeting.

The course is made up of 5 online lessons, and each lesson will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

You can work through at your own pace. You do not need to complete all of the lessons on the same day.

For more information see Council for Disabled Children: Delivering Quality Annual Reviews. 

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