Download a copy of the Complaining when annual review not completed (model letter), or use the text below.
Template Letter: Complaining when an LA has not carried out OR not completed the annual review of an EHC plan
All of the parts of this letter in bold will need to be changed or deleted so that they are relevant to your situation.
___________________________________________________________________
[Your address and contact details]
[Area SEN Manager]
[Address]
And by email to: [insert email address]
[Date]
Dear [Sir or Madam],
[Child or young person’s name], DoB [date of birth]: Potential breach of duty under section 44 Children and Families Act 2014
I am writing [as the parent of the above child / on behalf of the above young person], who has an EHC plan.
[Delete as appropriate:]
[[Child/young person]’s EHC plan was [issued / last reviewed] on [date]. Since that date, no annual review has been started in relation to this EHC plan.]
OR
[[Child/young person]’s EHC plan was the subject of an annual review meeting held on [date], but there has been no decision in writing from the local authority.]
Section 44 of the Children and Families Act 2014 states the obligations of a local education authority with regard to the time limit when reviewing an EHC plan:
“This section has no associated Explanatory Notes
(1) A local authority must review an EHC plan that it maintains—
(a) in the period of 12 months starting with the date on which the plan was first made, and
(b) in each subsequent period of 12 months starting with the date on which the plan was last reviewed under this section.”
Regulation 20 of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 sets out the procedure in detail, making it clear that the review is complete only when the local authority records its decision in writing:
“(10) The local authority must then decide whether it proposes to—
(a) continue to maintain the EHC plan in its current form;
(b) amend it; or
(c) cease to maintain it,
and must notify the child’s parent or the young person and the person referred to in paragraph(2)(b) within four weeks of the review meeting.”
I am sorry to inform you that you are in breach of this duty. I therefore expect to receive a letter from you [commencing the annual review process / containing your decision and recommendations] as soon as possible but in any case within 3 working days. As you are no doubt aware, there is a right of appeal for [parents / young people] following the review of an EHC plan. If, however, you delay in issuing the letter, I will regard this as frustrating this right of appeal and will seek immediate legal advice.
Yours faithfully
[Your name]
[Or if on behalf of a young person:]
[Your name] on behalf of [name of young person]