If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), their annual review is one of the most important meetings in the year.
This is your chance to step back, reflect on how things are going, and make sure your child’s plan is still meeting their needs. It can feel daunting, especially if previous meetings have been overwhelming or rushed. But with the right preparation – and the right questions – you can walk in feeling confident and ready to advocate for your child.
Here’s our step-by-step guide to preparing for an EHCP annual review, including key questions to ask and tips to make the process smoother.
What is an EHCP annual review, and why does it matter?
The annual review is a legal requirement under the SEND Code of Practice. It ensures:
- Your child’s needs are still accurately described.
- The support in place is working as intended.
- Any changes (positive or negative) are recorded and acted on.
It’s also the point where outcomes in the EHCP can be updated, new reports considered, or additional support requested.
Think of it as a health check for the plan – and your chance to speak up about what’s working and what’s not.
How to prepare for the meeting
- Read the EHCP carefully
- Focus on Sections B (needs), F (provision), and E (outcomes).
- Make notes on anything that doesn’t seem accurate anymore.
- Gather evidence
- School reports, therapy updates, or your own notes from home.
- Keep a diary of your child’s challenges and successes in the weeks before the meeting.
- Ask for reports in advance
- Professionals invited to the review should provide written contributions. Request these at least 2 weeks before, so you have time to read them.
- Write down your questions and priorities
- In the pressure of a meeting, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask.
10 Questions to Ask at the Annual Review
Here are some thoughtful, open-ended questions you can take to the meeting:
1. “Do you think the EHCP still reflects my child’s current needs?”
Your child may have developed new needs or made progress in some areas. Check that Sections B and F are still accurate.
2. “Has my child made progress towards their outcomes? Can you show me examples?”
Outcomes should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound (SMART). If they haven’t been achieved, find out why.
3. “What’s working well at school or in other settings?”
Identifying strengths helps ensure successful strategies continue.
4. “Are there any areas where my child is still struggling?”
Don’t be afraid to ask directly about gaps or unmet needs.
5. “Do you recommend any changes to the provision?”
Provision in Section F must be specific and detailed – vague phrases like “access to” are not legally enforceable.
6. “Has there been input from all the professionals involved?”
If there are delays in reports from therapists, request these contributions.
7. “How have my child’s views been included in this review?”
Even if your child is non-verbal, their preferences and feelings should be gathered in a way that works for them.
8. “Are there any local or specialist services we should consider?”
Professionals may know about additional resources or opportunities.
9. “What transition planning is in place (if applicable)?”
For children in Year 9 and above, there must be a focus on preparing for adulthood.
10. “What happens next, and when will I receive the updated plan?”
Legally, the local authority has 8 weeks from the review meeting to issue any amendments.
Tips for the meeting itself
✔️ Bring support: A friend, family member, or SEND advocate can help you stay calm and take notes.
✔️ Stay focused: Meetings can go off track. Politely steer back to your key priorities if needed.
✔️ Don’t rush decisions: If you feel unsure, ask for a short break or request to follow up in writing.
How we can help
As SEND consultants, we regularly support parents through the annual review process. From preparing questions to attending meetings alongside you, we’ll make sure you feel confident and that your child’s needs are clearly understood.
Contact us today to find out how we can support your family.
